){kind=small}
LaLiga){kind=small}
GIR
){kind=small}
RAY
){kind=small}
Ligue 1){kind=logo}
REN
){kind=small}
OM
){kind=small}
Premier){kind=small}
LIV
){kind=small}
BOU
){kind=logo}
VIL
){kind=logo}
OVI
){kind=small}
AVL
){kind=logo}
NEW
){kind=logo}
BHA
){kind=logo}
FUL
){kind=logo}
SUN
){kind=small}
WHU
){kind=logo}
TOT
){kind=small}
BUR
){kind=logo}
LENS
){kind=small}
LYON
){kind=logo}
ALA
){kind=logo}
LEV
){kind=logo}
WOL
){kind=small}
MCI
){kind=small}
ASM
){kind=logo}
LEH
){kind=logo}
MLL
){kind=small}
BAR
){kind=small}
NICE
){kind=small}
TFC
){kind=logo}
VAL
){kind=small}
RSO
){kind=logo}
NFO
){kind=small}
BRE
){kind=logo}
CHE
){kind=small}
CRY
){kind=small}
B29
){kind=small}
LIL
){kind=logo}
CEL
){kind=logo}
GET
){kind=small}
SCO
){kind=logo}
PAR
)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is betting on Noni Madueke despite fan opposition.
Despite backlash from sections of the fanbase, Arsenal’s £50 million move for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke appears to be a calculated decision by manager Mikel Arteta.
Pulse Sports takes a look at 5 key reasons why.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports
5. Tactical Versatility for a Thin Left Wing
)
While Noni Madueke is naturally a right winger, Arteta sees potential in converting him into a left-sided threat.
Arsenal are in urgent need of depth on the left wing, with Gabriel Martinelli inconsistent and Leandro Trossard often deployed in multiple roles.
Despite making just seven appearances on the left for Chelsea without contributing goals or assists, Arteta believes Madueke’s dribbling ability and adaptability can fill a crucial gap in the squad.
4. A Long-Term Project with Premier League Experience
)
Madueke has already been exposed to top-tier football in both the Premier League and Eredivisie.
Having joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven for £29 million in January 2023, he carries valuable top-flight experience and still has high developmental upside.
Arteta has shown success in polishing raw talents like William Saliba and Martin Odegaard and sees Madueke as a similar long-term investment.
3. Market Opportunity Amid Chelsea's Squad Overhaul
Chelsea's ongoing reshuffle made Madueke unexpectedly available.
With the Blues signing forwards Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Jamie Gittens for a combined £138.5 million, the English winger was pushed further down the pecking order.
Arteta and Arsenal moved quickly to exploit Chelsea’s surplus, securing a £50 million agreement before his value or demand could fluctuate.
2. Plan B to the Rodrygo Pursuit
)
While Real Madrid’s Rodrygo remains a top target, the Brazilian’s £69 million valuation and uncertain status under new manager Xabi Alonso complicate the transfer.
Madueke is viewed as a more attainable alternative who could still deliver the dynamism Arteta craves on the flanks.
With Rodrygo's future undecided, Arteta opted to act decisively on a player he could get now.
1. Squad Balance and Bukayo Saka Insurance
)
Though Bukayo Saka is the undisputed starter on the right, Arsenal must manage his minutes better going into a congested 2025/26 campaign.
Ethan Nwaneri is still maturing, and Madueke offers depth, rotation, and coverage, especially during cup ties and European fixtures.
His physical profile, direct playstyle, and left-footedness mirror Saka’s, offering Arteta a consistent tactical option on either flank.
Despite the club’s internal logic, not all supporters are convinced.
But for Arteta, this move may be less about appeasing sentiment and more about assembling a squad with flexibility, long-term value, and future potential.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)