Paul Merson has a worrying theory about the real reason Arsenal are signing Noni Madueke from Chelsea

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Arsenal are poised to announce the signing of Noni Madueke from Chelsea.

Madueke is completing a medical at Arsenal and is expected to sign a five-year contract at the Gunners in a £52m deal.

Mikel Arteta came into the window desperate for attacking reinforcements and Madueke now looks to be his first capture, a player with great versatility and pace.

Although question marks have been raised over the fee paid, Madueke solves a lot of Arsenal’s issues from last season. However, pundit and former player Paul Merson has just given an extremely concerning theory behind the signing.

READ MORE: Jamie O’Hara thinks he knows the real reason why Arsenal are not going for Alexander Isak after Liverpool’s move

Paul Merson believes Noni Madueke’s signing could open up Bukayo Saka’s departure

Merson had an incredible career at North London and knows the club inside out but the former Gunners midfielder is worried that Madueke’s arrival could put Bukayo Saka’s future in doubt.

Saka is in talks over a new contract but no breakthrough has been made and with his current deal expiring in 2027, the club will need to make a decision soon.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson stated: “Call me a cynic, but is there another reason why they are doing this deal? Are there concerns about the future of Saka?

“Are they getting this deal done and then all of a sudden it allows a potential sale of Saka or someone else. The one player at Arsenal who has to play every week is Saka. When he doesn’t play, they are not the same team.

“The players around him are not the same when he doesn’t play. If fit, he plays. So why do you spend £52m on a backup for him?”

What Bukayo Saka has said about his Arsenal future

Arsenal are willing to make Saka their top earner during negotiations and as per 90 min news, the Hale End star is ‘happy’ where he is.

Speaking back in April, Saka stated: “I want to win and I want to win wearing this badge, so I think it’s pretty clear. The fans know how much I love them and you saw when I came on [against Fulham], I think they love me back. It’s a good relationship and I’m really happy to be here and focus on winning here.”

Injury plagued his 2024-25 campaign but even after missing the best part of four months, he was still one of Arsenal’s biggest goal contributors.

He will be pivotal once again this season if the Gunners are to end their trophy drought and everyone involved with the club will be hoping for a positive resolution on his future soon.