Arguably the most controversial transfer of the summer was Arsenal’s signing of Noni Madueke, but after heavy criticism during the window, Andrea Berta and the recruitment team will feel vindicated by Bukayo Saka’s unfortunate injury. Madueke was signed from Chelsea in a deal that could potentially reach £52 million. News of Arsenal’s interest was not well received by many supporters who questioned the logic of the signing. His arrival from Chelsea did not help matters and fans felt they had overpaid for a player who would play second fiddle to Bukayo Saka for most of the campaign. He has featured heavily on the left in his first few Arsenal matches, but doubts remained over the need to spend so much on cover for the right wing.
Saka setback changes perspective
Those doubts look less relevant following events against Leeds. The England international came off in the second half with what looked like a hamstring injury and his reaction suggested it could be a serious issue. Speaking after the game, Mikel Arteta said: “We have to wait to understand how long he will be out. I have not spoken to the doctor yet but for Bukayo to come off, it is significant.”
Madueke replaced him on the right flank before later being substituted for the impressive Max Dowman. The former PSV man will now likely take on the role for the entirety of Saka’s absence and his display against Leeds provided encouragement for supporters who doubted his signing.
Why depth matters for Arsenal
When Bukayo Saka was injured last season, Arsenal were forced to deploy players such as Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard in his place, while Ethan Nwaneri struggled with fitness. The importance of having an inverted winger on the right cannot be overemphasised and having a natural option like Madueke softens the blow of a potential long-term absence for Saka.
The Noni Madueke signing is already starting to make more sense.
Your thoughts on how he played yesterday?
Benjamin Kenneth
__________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
ITS HIM ITS HIM ITS HIM
GYOKORES OPENS HIS ACCOUNT IN STYLE
#COYG
Yes, I for one could never fathom how the former Chelsea Man was even signed ahead of Eze.
But Arsenal need them both, the Kroenke’s are genuinely shrewd business people, we are now reaping the benefits of waiting for extended period of time for our new Sporting director.
Madueke is a fine player, he was one of Chelsea players that made watch their game.
I think his price tag triggered his critics, but he is really fine player as we have seen, and there is more for him to showcase 😉
Yes, if we hadn’t signed Madueke, we’d be sweating right now. It made a lot of sense given how Saka has overplayed since he was a teenager. There’s no one like Saka, but Madueke is the closest thing to him. That’s important because we don’t have to change how we play with him, unlike someone like Ethan, who naturally wants to come into midfield.
Folks complaining about having a player that expensive on the bench. Well, the year City won the treble, they often had Jack Grealish as an option from the bench. Jack cost £100m.
In my opinion, lack of quality depth has been the biggest reason in us not winning trophies. I’m glad it has been addressed this time. We now have the deepest squad in the league.
We need him to step up to the plate. Hopefully, Arsenal coaches are working closely with him, and we make Che regret selling him to us because we need him to shine. And I hope we don’t miss the work rate of our injured players too much, because they are one of the reasons why we are one of the best defensive sides in Europe
For me Noni is a top player.He will give the Arsenal team top service,that’s for sure.So fellow Gooners..relax.Same doubts were expressed over Kai’s signing.ALWAYS TRUST MIKEL !
Rastus Arum,
“ALWAYS TRUST MIKEL!” Lets not go that far.
I think we frowned at madueke’s deal coz we thought the club won’t sign a proper LW, which is much priority but the club surprised us with there spending spree and bring elegant eze.
Now madueke’s signing seems ideal plus his performance last time was class, saka has some serious competition/backup now