The 2025/26 summer transfer window has already brought several exciting announcements, including another big signing from Arsenal. The Gunners have completed a £52 million deal for English international Noni Madueke from Chelsea.
The transfer has received mixed reactions from fans and pundits, and yet it wasn’t a one-sided decision. Let’s explore how the move will affect Arsenal’s plans and strategy.
Noni Madueke Profile
Standing at six feet tall, Madueke is a left-footed, electric winger known for his pace and dribbling flair. If you’ve watched him at Chelsea, or even earlier at PSV, you’ve seen his explosiveness, sudden acceleration, and an instinct to cut inside and cause chaos.
Based purely on stats, his performance for the Blues last season fell short of expectations. He had only seven Premier League goals and four assists – not the numbers someone can boast about, but let’s not forget that he also had limited playing time.
⏮️ Noni Madueke, 2021/22 💫#UECL pic.twitter.com/m1ZfPm2c4T
— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) July 11, 2025
However, Madueke averaged 3.5 shots per 90 minutes, more than any winger at Arsenal or Chelsea, and an xG rate of 0.42 per game.
Perhaps one of the most significant downsides to his style is the relatively low passing accuracy, which hovers around 78%. Still, he’s not meant to be a traditional playmaker in the mould of Martin Ødegaard. What Mikel Arteta will mostly need from him is to solve Arsenal’s final-third execution issues.
What Arsenal Paid and Why It Makes Sense?
Arsenal have made several high-profile transfers in recent years, one of them being Declan Rice signed for £105 million. However, the Gunners are normally reluctant to pay big sums.
Indeed, Madueke’s £50 million transfer isn’t a cheap one. Some fans have even launched hashtags like #NoToMadueke on social media – a reaction that, to me, feels more emotional than rational.
Here’s how I see it: Arsenal bought a Premier League-ready winger, not a project. He’s 23, meaning that the club are paying for his peak years, not just future potential. Moreover, Chelsea were open to selling their players. Madueke wanted more playing time, while Arsenal needed more squad rotation.
Noni Madueke scored 7 goals from 11.75(xG) last season – the second biggest underperformance of any Premier League player. pic.twitter.com/ZdkUkdklIv
— The xG Philosophy (@xGPhilosophy) July 12, 2025
It’s also a savvy move in the current market. Tottenham have chased Mohammed Kudus, Manchester City are hoarding wingers, and Liverpool have signed Florian Wirtz. Arsenal acted quickly and decisively to secure a player who fits their model.
And let’s not forget the “vibes” factor. Watching Bukayo Saka limp off last season more than once was painful. Madueke might not be Saka, but he’s someone who can light it up off the bench or step in without causing a massive drop-off.
How Can He Fit Under Mikel Arteta?
Having followed Mikel Arteta’s tactical evolution at Arsenal, I can say that his system isn’t just about playing triangles. It’s built around agile players, rushing in behind defences, applying constant pressure, and stretching backlines.
The English winger is brilliant in one-on-one situations and can add the necessary flavour against low blocks – something Arsenal struggle with.
Noni Madueke 🏴❤️ pic.twitter.com/daMxEaOzca
— KAZU (@kazu_designs) July 18, 2025
Furthermore, his versatility across both wings provides the team with the tactical flexibility Arteta craves. With 7.7 box runs and 3.5 shot attempts per 90 minutes, Madueke brings top-level production that the Spanish manager can effectively use as an asset.
Honestly, I believe he was signed to give Saka more freedom and unleash Gabriel Martinelli’s powers. Picture a front three of Saka, Martinelli, and Madueke: that’s an energetic trio that every defence in the Premier League will be wary of.
Will Madueke’s Move Succeed?
Arsenal are preparing for the new season with huge transfers. Alongside Madueke, they’ve signed Christian Nørgaard and Martín Zubimendi and are pursuing Viktor Gyokeres.
I think that the English winger fits seamlessly into Arteta’s system. He is young, already tested in the Premier League, and can bring creativity to the roster.
His ability to provide assists, score from long distance, and easily pass through several defenders is bound to bolster Arsenal’s attack. It’s a move that might have a long-term impact and make the London club strong contenders for a Premier League title.
