Arsenal sign Noni Madueke as Mikel Arteta spending on Chelsea stars hits £134m

Arsenal have completed the signing of Noni Madueke from Chelsea. The England international has signed a five-year deal to join until 2030, after a £52million deal was agreed.

The Gunners will pay £48m guaranteed, with a further £4m in performance-related add-ons.

Madueke's move makes him the sixth player to leave the Blues for the Gunners during Mikel Arteta's reign. He follows Kepa Arrizabalaga in making the move this summer, with Willian, Jorginho, Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling - the latter on loan - having made the same move during the Spaniard's tenure, at a combined cost of £134m. Madueke will take the No.20 shirt at the Emirates.

Sporting Director Andrea Berta said: "We’re very pleased to have concluded an excellent deal for a hugely talented young player in Noni Madueke. Noni’s performance numbers and availability over recent seasons have been exceptional, reflecting his quality and professionalism. Noni is a dynamic, versatile wide forward player with strong technical ability who will significantly strengthen our squad.

“Noni already has valuable experience at the top level and we know he will make a big impact at Arsenal. Together with everyone at the club, we warmly welcome Noni to Arsenal."

Madueke is Arsenal's fourth summer signing, following Kepa, Spain international Martin Zubimendi and Brentford captain Christian Norgaard. Valencia defender Christhian Mosquera and Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres are expected to follow.

Arteta said: "We're all so happy to welcome Noni Madueke to the team. Noni is an exciting and powerful young player, with his performances and numbers in recent seasons being of consistently high quality. He is one of the most talented wide forward players in the Premier League.

READ MORE: Chelsea fans in meltdown as club announce star's free transfer to Liverpool

READ MORE: Noni Madueke sends message to Chelsea fans as £52m Arsenal transfer confirmed

“At just 23, Noni already brings experience of club and international football, and he knows the Premier League very well. Having seen the quality of Noni’s performances up close in recent seasons, we’re really excited he is joining us.

“Noni joins our group with familiar England teammates and other players he knows. He will be made to feel at home straight away. His arrival will really improve our squad - we’re all thrilled to have him here. From all of us, welcome Noni and welcome to your family.”

The signing of Madueke has certainly divided the Gunners fanbase, to the extent that 'Arteta Out' graffiti has appeared, defacing the club's artwork outside the Emirates Stadium, while a 'No to Madueke' petition was set up online. That petition has gained over 5000 signatures.

In a farewell post to Chelsea and its fans on social media, Madueke said: "Dear Chelsea Football Club, I want to thank you for the Last 3 or so years. To every staff member that helped me along this journey, thank you. To my teammates thank you for everything, I leave with only love and admiration for you guys.

"We achieved so much this season and I honestly wish you guys nothing but the best. To Enzo Maresca, it was a privilege to play under you, thank you for trying to better me as a player and as a person.

"Lastly thank you to every single Chelsea fan. Thank you for the love, the praise and also the criticism, I appreciate it all. I leave here with nothing but fond memories."

In a statement, Chelsea said: "We would like to thank Noni for his efforts throughout his time at Chelsea and wish him well as he begins a new chapter in his career."

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has admitted the deal has left him "shocked".

“I am flabbergasted by Arsenal signing Noni Madueke. I’m shocked," said Merson in his Sky Sports column. “If Arsenal went and bought any player from Chelsea, he’d have been the last one I thought they’d sign. It’s a lot of money for a player who is not a prolific goalscorer.

“He’s the sort of player that has a good game here and a good game there, but that’ll be it. The consistency of performance isn’t there.

“For me, at Chelsea, I’d have always played Jadon Sancho ahead of him [Madueke]. Chelsea just won’t believe that this deal has come to them. They won’t believe their luck.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.