Arsenal have completed their first attacking acquisition of the summer by signing Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.
Arsenal confirmed the signing of Madueke in a deal worth an initial £48m, rising to £52m with add-ons for the England international.
Andrea Berta moved swiftly to complete the deal whilst Madueke was away with Chelsea at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Mikel Arteta spoke to Madueke to convince him that the Gunners were the right move for him and the player himself has now given his thoughts on his North London arrival.
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Noni Madueke’s first words as an Arsenal player
After completing his move to Arsenal, Madueke spoke to the club’s official website and explained why he chose the Gunners.
He said: “I’m somebody who goes with my gut feeling a lot of the time, and I feel like it’s steered me in the right direction so far. So, I don’t think it’s going to be any different here. I think it’s going to be a great success, and I’m really happy to be here.
“I’ve just been relaxed, waiting for the green light, and when I came in today, it all felt real. I’m really happy and really proud, so it’s a great moment for me. It’s great to go back home, be with my mum, my dad. I know my mum misses me in the house!
“It’s already a great team with a clear identity, and I can’t wait to bring my style to the team and try and help the boys as much as possible to take that next step.”
Noni Madueke explains what he will bring to Arsenal
Madueke is naturally a right winger, and you would imagine that his main role will be to provide cover for Bukayo Saka on that flank.
However, the Englishman has claimed that he is ready to play on the opposite side too, having done so for Chelsea last season.
“I try and be a dual threat from the left and from the right,” Madueke said.
“Of course, it’s a little different when I play on the left or when I play on the right, but it doesn’t really matter to me where I play.
“I only really have one thought in my mind when I get the ball to feet or in space, it is just to line up the full-back and go past him, so that’s definitely one of my main strengths.”
How Noni Madueke can win over the Arsenal fans
There have been concerns voiced from the Arsenal fan base over the signing of Madueke but it would not take much for the 23-year-old to win over those doubters.
Madueke won’t be on the Asia tour with the Gunners having just played in the Club World Cup but should be back in time for the Emirates Cup fixtures against Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao.
Should the winger show a willingness to work hard and an ability to be direct and attack full-backs, then supporters will soon get behind their new signing.
Madueke has confirmed that he is ready to plan on both wings. His versatility and pace make him a real asset to have in the squad.
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