Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has opened up on the signing of Noni Madueke, detailing the direct steps he took to help convince the England international to join the club from Chelsea, Softfootball reports.
The 23-year-old winger completed a £52 million ($70.5m) move to the Emirates, a deal that was initially met with skepticism about what his input would be like at the Emirates.
As revealed by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano on his official X handle, the Gunners boss revealed a personal touch in the recruitment process, highlighting a decisive conversation with the player’s family.
Arteta said:
I was sure he was a player with a talent and a level of threat and unpredictability that will make us better. When I picked up the phone to speak to him and his dad, I had the impression that they were really willing to come.
Madueke has since silenced his critics with a series of impressive performances, establishing himself as one of Arsenal’s standout players in the early stages of the 2025–26 campaign.
Meanwhile, he has proved well the trust Arteta placed on him, replacing injured Bukayo Saka where he was in the build-up to Gyokeres’ goal in last Saturday’s 3–0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Madueke hopefully will put on his top game this weekend when Arsenal plays against Manchester City at the Emirates.
