Arsenal's pursuit of Noni Madueke has caused a backlash from fans. A survey conducted by Sky Sports shows that about 70% of the 35,000 voters do not believe Madueke will succeed at the Emirates. Some have even signed a petition opposing the deal.
For many, the disappointment stems from Arsenal continuing to buy Chelsea players. Madueke will become the seventh player in the last 6 years to move from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates. The list also includes notable faces such as David Luiz, Willian and Raheem Sterling.
Before that, there were many more examples, from William Gallas, Lassana Diarra to Petr Cech. In general, it is clear which club benefits the most from these transfer deals. Even more successful signings, specifically Kai Havertz, continue to divide public opinion.
The £65 million fee for Havertz remains a controversial topic. Two years later, the financial issue surrounding the Madueke deal became even more controversial. Arsenal will spend up to £52 million to help Chelsea earn huge profits from the player they signed for £29 million in 2023.
This seems like a fairly high price, especially for a player who mainly plays in the same position as Bukayo Saka. Arsenal fans have every right to wonder whether Madueke has performed well enough in the past two and a half years at Chelsea to deserve a 70% price increase.
The lack of goals has caused disappointment. Madueke started last season with a hat-trick against Wolves, but ended up scoring just 7 goals and 3 assists after a total of 32 Premier League appearances.
Madueke's numbers are quite modest, but Arsenal must have realized that the 23-year-old could completely improve. In terms of statistics, the total expected goals that Madueke scored were 9.66.
Madueke's scoring nearly 3 goals less than expected could be proof that he is a poor finisher. However, last season was only the first campaign in Madueke's career in which he did not achieve the expected number of goals.
Madueke is in the Premier League's top 15 for expected goals (excluding penalties) and expected assists per 90 minutes last season. He is in the top 10 for shots per 90 minutes and even ranks fifth for touches in the opponent's penalty area.
The Englishman's style of play may be a bit awkward. But he is an agile player, with his directness that will give Arsenal a harmful weapon in transition and break the tight defense.
As long as Madueke can adapt to playing regularly on the left wing, and be ready to switch to the right wing whenever Saka needs a break, he will be a very valuable contract.
