Arsenal finalized the signing of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke in a transfer that rocked the Premier League. The 23-year-old winger signed a five-year contract at Arsenal after the Gunners shelled out an initial £48.5 million fee, with add-ons amounting to £3.5 million, taking the transfer total to £52 million.
This exit marks the end of Madueke’s stint at Stamford Bridge after two and a half years, during which the English sensation made 92 appearances and scored 20 goals. His departure came a few weeks after Chelsea’s Club World Cup victory. However, the winger did not play in the final so that he could head to North London for his move.
Confirming his exit, Madueke said:
“Dear Chelsea Football Club, I want to thank you for the last 3 or so years. To every staff member that helped me along this journey, thank you. To my teammates thank you for everything, I leave with only love and admiration for you guys. We achieved so much this season and I honestly wish you guys nothing but the best.
“To Enzo Maresca, it was a privilege to play under you, thank you for trying to better me as a player and as a person. Lastly thank you to every single Chelsea fan. Thank you for the love, the praise and also the criticism, I appreciate it all. I leave here with nothing but fond memories.”
Arsenal Fans Slam Noni Maudeke Move from Chelsea
Noni Madueke’s switch has not been without debate. More than 5,000 signatures of outrage at his signing for Arsenal were attached to a petition, evidence that not all fans are content. However, club officials believe that Madueke’s two-footedness and pace will be a massive asset on both flanks.
He is one of a rapidly expanding list of marquee summer signings, after Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, and Christian Nørgaard, with the club’s outlay soon set to reach £200 million. Madueke revealed how he made the decision to move clubs:
“I’m somebody who goes with my gut feeling a lot of the time… I think it’s going to be a great success and I’m really happy to be here…I try and be a dual threat from the left and from the right.”
The winger will wear the No. 20 at Arsenal but will not fly out with the squad on their Asia tour. Instead, he may bide his time to make his debut during the Emirates Cup later this month.
