Arsenal legend Sol Campbell believes Noni Madueke generally is a ‘quality’ addition to the squad – but has called for the club to clarify their transfer decisions to ease concerns amongst supporters.
The Gunners agreed personal terms with the Chelsea winger last week with the London rivals selecting a fee on Thursday night. The England international is now poised to make the short trip across the capital in a deal price £52million.
Madueke was a first-team regular under Enzo Maresca last season but Arsenal’s efforts to bring him to the Emirates have sparked concerns amongst their support with hundreds signing a #NOTOMADUEKE petition online.
Arsenal want to usher in a left-sided forward however the overwhelming majority of Madueke’s football for Chelsea has come playing on the precise – a position Bukayo Saka has locked down in north London.
If a deal is successful, Madueke would also turn out to be the sixth Chelsea player signed by Arteta.
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Campbell, who famously crossed the north London divide 24 years ago when he joined from Tottenham, believes Madueke has the qualities to thrive at Arsenal but appreciates the concerns among the many Arsenal faithful.
With loads of supporters questioning how the previous PSV Eindhoven star will slot in given his best position is occupied by Saka, Campbell has suggested Arsenal owe it to their fans to clarify the selections that would define their summer transfer window.
‘I’ve seen him play, and he’s a really dynamic, keep-going form of player that may cause problems when he gets into the ultimate third,’ Campbell told Metro, courtesy of BetSelect.
‘I feel most persons are probably pondering, “Do we want him?”. He’s a high quality player, but I feel the club needs to clarify why they’re getting certain players in and the way it’s going to suit into our system.
‘It’s necessary to clarify that to the players and the fans.’
Madueke’s arrival will raise questions over Gabriel Martinelli’s future. The Brazil international has struggled to achieve the heights of his excellent 2022-23 campaign where he scored 15 Premier League goals with Leandro Trossard difficult him for a starting role on the left the last two seasons.
Campbell is an enormous admirer of Martinelli but appreciates Arsenal’s must ‘change it up’ The previous England international believes added competition on the left may bring the most effective out of the Brazilian – if he’s up for the challenge.
‘Martinelli has been great. He’s been amazing,’ Campbell said.
‘He picked up on the back end of the last season. But you’ve gotten to vary it up. I feel Arteta desires to put players quietly under pressure to see how they react.
‘How will you reply to competition? If you happen to’re a top player, you respond with concentration and quality. You set pressure on certain positions and certain players to get focus. That’s the main focus it’s essential win something.’
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