Micah Richards admits that while he likes Noni Madueke, he’s confused as to why Arsenal are attempting to sign the Chelsea star.
The Gunners have ramped up their transfer activity recently, recently confirming the signings of Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi.
A deal can be in place to accumulate Christian Norgaard from Brentford, while talks are advancing over an enormous money transfer for striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Mikel Arteta also wants to herald a flexible attacking player, with Eberechi Eze, Rodrygo and Anthony Gordon on their shortlist.
But it surely appears they’re as a substitute going to land Madueke, having agreed personal terms with the winger who’s currently playing for Chelsea on the Club World Cup.
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The Blues are greater than open to selling the 23-year-old, but want £50million for him, a price the Gunners is probably not willing to pay.
Madueke has enjoyed a great 2024/25 campaign, recording 16 goal contributions in 45 games, winning the Conference League and breaking into the England squad.
Nevertheless, Richards believes he’ll struggle for game time on the Emirates, as he assessed Arsenal’s transfer business.
‘I like Zubimendi. We saw him within the Euros final, when Rodri got here off,’ the Manchester City icon said on The Rest is Football podcast.
‘Superb player, tactically really good. He’s good on the ball, really good awareness in midfield.
Noni Madueke Chelsea stats 2024/25
Appearances: 45
Goals: 11
Assists: 5
Games as a right-winger: 33
Games as a left-winger: 7
Stats courtesy of Transfermarkt
‘Gyokeres is a very good striker. I believe a striker is more vital than getting Madueke in first.
‘Madueke… where is he going to play? He’s been playing for Chelsea on the left recently.
‘I actually like him as a player, but I like him on the fitting and he’s not going to play ahead of Bukayo Saka, is he? So, I’m scratching my head on that one.
‘I agree [that they need two players in every position]. But Saka is at all times fit normally, until he got that actually bad injury.’
Madueke has spent the overwhelming majority of his profession playing on the fitting but appears to have lost his place in Chelsea’s XI to Pedro Neto, and faces increased competition from summer signings Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Estevao.
If he does move to Arsenal he might be cover for Saka but will find it very hard to usurp his England teammate, along with his best probability of starting coming on the left-wing where he’ll compete against Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
For now, Madueke may very well be in motion on Tuesday night when Chelsea tackle Fluminense for a spot within the Club World Cup final against either PSG or Real Madrid.
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