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Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Noni Madueke outshines Arsenal stars where it matters most despite petition for Gunners NOT to sign £55m Chelsea winger
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IN one of the most important transfer windows in Mikel Arteta's tenure, the pursuit of Chelsea's £55million-rated Noni Madueke has divided the Arsenal fanbase. So much so that since the news of the Gunners' formal approach, over 1,000 Arsenal supporters so far have signed a petition urging the club NOT to sign him. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Arsenal fans are in meltdown over a £55million move for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke Credit: Getty 3 Stats show Madueke would be an upgrade over Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard Credit: Reuters But the numbers show that there is method behind the supposed madness, with Arteta targeting a player who may well give his squad something they have been missing during three successive second-place Prem finishes. As well as a world class No.9 – with Viktor Gyokeres' arrival in the works – the Gunners have been in desperate need of competition in the wide areas alongside the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. It is why Raheem Sterling was brought in on a last-ditch Deadline Day loan last summer, and highlighted further during Saka's three month absence last term following hamstring surgery. Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams and Real Madrid's Rodrygo have been monitored during this window, only for negotiations to break down over the past few weeks, while Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze – with a £68m release clause – and Atalanta's Ademola Lookman remain ongoing targets. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL HEND OF THE ROAD Jordan Henderson rips up Ajax contract and released from deal a year early Madueke – a left-footer who can play on both flanks – has struggled to nail down a permanent starting spot under Blues boss Enzo Maresca, with seven Prem goals and three assists in 27 starts last campaign. So, it begs the question: Why does Arteta want him? The answer appears to lie in the England international's bravery on the ball from wide positions, something Arsenal struggled with last year, especially on the left through Martinelli and Trossard. Having netted 91 Prem goals in 2023/24, they scored 22 fewer last term. Arguably, this was largely down to long-term injuries to strikers Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS But Arteta's system relies on creativity and bursts of energy down the flanks to commit defenders and create spaces for the likes of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice through the middle, with accurate deliveries into the box essential also. Last season, Belgium international Trossard averaged 2.8 attempted dribbles per game, completing 1.3 of them. Brazilian Martinelli averaged 3.9 attempted dribbles, but also with a completion rate of 1.3. Viktor Gyokeres prepares for LOAN as Arsenal saga rumbles on | Transfers Exposed Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates This is where Madueke, 23, stands out – averaging 4.3 attempted dribbles for Chelsea last season, completing two of them every 90 minutes. While the right-footed pair of Trossard and Martinelli more often than not like to cut inside, Madueke offers something different in driving past defenders and crossing with his left – a potential X-factor that Arsenal are missing, especially with a target man like Havertz, and potentially Gyokeres, waiting in the box. With an elite striker to provide for, as opposed to the hugely inconsistent Nicolas Jackson, Madueke's numbers would likely improve alongside better players in a tried-and-tested system. In other metrics, Madueke can match and often improve on Trossard and Martinelli. He averaged 2.8 open-play crosses per 90, more than Trossard [2.7] but less than Martinelli [3.5], with 0.5 of them being successful [Trossard 0.5, Martinelli 0.8]. 3 Madueke also created on average 0.3 big chances per 90 [Martinelli 0.3, Trossard 0.5]. In terms of touches per 90, Madueke is always heavily involved in build-up play with an average of 47 [Martinelli 42, Trossard 50] and completed 26 passes per game [Martinelli 23, Trossard 30]. There is also the added bonus of Madueke's versatility, something Arteta loves in a player, being able to play on the right too, providing competition for Saka and on occasion giving the England star a much-needed rest during a gruelling campaign. Obsessive in nature, Arteta does just as much homework on what a transfer target is like off the pitch as well as on it, ensuring they have the right temperament and professionalism to seamlessly blend in with a dressing room the Spanish coach has worked so hard to build in North London. Back in December, after dropping the player for a clash against Aston Villa, Maresca explained: 'The moment that he starts to score or assist and is happy, he starts to drop a little bit. I don't like the way he trained. He has to understand that he has to train well every day, he has to be ambitious.' But speaking to those closest to Madueke, SunSport has been told that despite reported doubts, the player has a 'top mentality', is desperate to play with and against the best at the highest level and would relish the chance to fight for a starting spot at Arsenal. It may be an unpopular signing, but Madueke may well be a young star that Arteta is willing to mould into a game-changer that can win over the ever-demanding Arsenal fans.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Noni Madueke outshines Arsenal stars where it matters most despite petition for Gunners NOT to sign £55m Chelsea winger
IN one of the most important transfer windows in Mikel Arteta's tenure, the pursuit of Chelsea's £55million-rated Noni Madueke has divided the Arsenal fanbase. So much so that since the 3 Arsenal fans are in meltdown over a £55million move for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke Credit: Getty 3 Stats show Madueke would be an upgrade over Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard Credit: Reuters But the numbers show that there is method behind the supposed madness, with As well as a world class No.9 – with It is why Raheem Sterling was brought in on a last-ditch Deadline Day loan last summer, and highlighted further during Saka's three month absence last term following hamstring surgery. Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams and Real Madrid's Rodrygo have been monitored during this window, only for negotiations to break down over the past few weeks, while Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze – with a £68m release clause – and Atalanta's Ademola Lookman remain ongoing targets. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Madueke – a left-footer who can play on both flanks – has struggled to nail down a permanent starting spot under Blues boss Enzo Maresca, with seven Prem goals and three assists in 27 starts last campaign. So, it begs the question: Why does Arteta want him? The answer appears to lie in the England international's bravery on the ball from wide positions, something Arsenal struggled with last year, especially on the left through Martinelli and Trossard. Having netted 91 Prem goals in 2023/24, they scored 22 fewer last term. Arguably, this was largely down to long-term injuries to strikers Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS But Arteta's system relies on creativity and bursts of energy down the flanks to commit defenders and create spaces for the likes of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice through the middle, with accurate deliveries into the box essential also. Last season, Belgium international Trossard averaged 2.8 attempted dribbles per game, completing 1.3 of them. Brazilian Martinelli averaged 3.9 attempted dribbles, but also with a completion rate of 1.3. Viktor Gyokeres prepares for LOAN as Arsenal saga rumbles on | Transfers Exposed Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates This is where Madueke, 23, stands out – averaging 4.3 attempted dribbles for Chelsea last season, completing two of them every 90 minutes. While the right-footed pair of Trossard and Martinelli more often than not like to cut inside, Madueke offers something different in driving past defenders and crossing with his left – a potential X-factor that Arsenal are missing, especially with a target man like Havertz, and potentially Gyokeres, waiting in the box. With an elite striker to provide for, as opposed to the hugely inconsistent Nicolas Jackson, Madueke's numbers would likely improve alongside better players in a tried-and-tested system. In other metrics, Madueke can match and often improve on Trossard and Martinelli. He averaged 2.8 open-play crosses per 90, more than Trossard [2.7] but less than Martinelli [3.5], with 0.5 of them being successful [Trossard 0.5, Martinelli 0.8]. 3 Madueke also created on average 0.3 big chances per 90 [Martinelli 0.3, Trossard 0.5]. In terms of touches per 90, Madueke is always heavily involved in build-up play with an average of 47 [Martinelli 42, Trossard 50] and completed 26 passes per game [Martinelli 23, Trossard 30]. There is also the added bonus of Madueke's versatility, something Arteta loves in a player, being able to play on the right too, providing competition for Saka and on occasion giving the England star a much-needed rest during a gruelling campaign. Obsessive in nature, Arteta does just as much homework on what a transfer target is like off the pitch as well as on it, ensuring they have the right temperament and professionalism to seamlessly blend in with a dressing room the Spanish coach has worked so hard to build in North London. Back in December, after dropping the player for a clash against Aston Villa, Maresca explained: 'The moment that he starts to score or assist and is happy, he starts to drop a little bit. I don't like the way he trained. He has to understand that he has to train well every day, he has to be ambitious.' But speaking to those closest to Madueke, SunSport has been told that despite reported doubts, the player has a 'top mentality', is desperate to play with and against the best at the highest level and would relish the chance to fight for a starting spot at Arsenal. It may be an unpopular signing, but Madueke may well be a young star that Arteta is willing to mould into a game-changer that can win over the ever-demanding Arsenal fans.
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Sporting fear Viktor Gyokeres will go on strike THIS WEEK to force Arsenal transfer after gentleman's agreement ‘broken'
Gunning for it Sporting fear Viktor Gyokeres will go on strike THIS WEEK to force Arsenal transfer after gentleman's agreement 'broken' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SPORTING LISBON fear Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres will carry out his threat and go on strike tomorrow. The centre-forward could try to force a move to the Prem by not reporting for the first session of pre-season at the club's Cristiano Ronaldo Academy HQ. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Viktor Gyokeres is threatening to go on strike from Sporting Lisbon Credit: Getty Swede Gyokeres, also wanted by Manchester United and Juventus, favours a switch to the Gunners and claims his club have broken a gentleman's agreement that he could leave for £60million. Sporting know there is massive interest in their star and are demanding at least £68.5m. The Lisbon club's president Frederico Varandas — who has had a public falling out with the former Coventry forward — felt Gyokeres' threat to snub pre-season was just a bluff. Sporting hoped he would return to the Portuguese capital today before meeting up with the squad tomorrow. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL MAD WORLD Chelsea star Noni Madueke, 23, agrees personal terms with Arsenal Gyokeres got extra time off during the summer following his international duty with Sweden last month. But Portuguese sources have told SunSport that Gyokeres, who netted 54 goals in 52 appearances last term, is increasingly unlikely to not turn up. He is angry with the way the situation has been handled, which is great news for Arsenal. Gyokeres has snubbed lucrative offers from Saudi Pro League sides Al-Qadsiah and Al-Hilal — who were prepared to offer him millions — because he would rather play in the Prem. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Varandas said £51.8m in guaranteed payments plus £8.6m in add-ons would not be enough to persuade Sporting to sell their star player. Though a package of just over £60m — with the extra £8.6m tied to achievable targets — might persuade Sporting to do a deal as they will not want to keep an unhappy Gyokeres at the club. Why Mikel Arteta must deliver best team in London a trophy | Arsenal Exposed Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta needs a new striker and has targeted both Gyokeres and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. He wants a new man on the plane when the Gunners fly to Singapore for the start of their pre-season tour on July 19. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates Frankfurt ace Hugo Ekitike and former Manchester City star Julian Alvarez — currently at Atletico Madrid — are also being looked at. Sesko, 22, is due to return to training with Leipzig on Saturday. Bundesliga club Leipzig are yet to receive a bid for the Slovenian but must sell at least one big star to balance the books after failing to qualify for Europe. Arsenal have completed a £51m deal for Spain's Martin Zubimendi, 26, with the midfielder set to sign within 36 hours. 2 TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Sporting fear Viktor Gyokeres will go on strike THIS WEEK to force Arsenal transfer after gentleman's agreement ‘broken'
SPORTING LISBON fear Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres will carry out his threat and go on strike tomorrow. The centre-forward could try to force a move to the Prem by not reporting for the first session of pre-season at the club's Advertisement 2 Viktor Gyokeres is threatening to go on strike from Sporting Lisbon Credit: Getty Swede Gyokeres, also wanted by Sporting know there is massive interest in their star and are demanding at least £68.5m. The Lisbon club's president Frederico Varandas — who has had a public falling out with the former Coventry forward — felt Gyokeres' threat to snub pre-season was just a bluff. Sporting hoped he would return to the Portuguese capital today before meeting up with the squad tomorrow. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Gyokeres got extra time off during the summer following his international duty with But Portuguese sources have told SunSport that Gyokeres, who netted 54 goals in 52 appearances last term, is increasingly unlikely to not turn up. He is angry with the way the situation has been handled, which is great news for Gyokeres has snubbed lucrative offers from Saudi Pro League sides Al-Qadsiah and Al-Hilal — who were prepared to offer him millions — because he would rather play in the Prem. Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Varandas said £51.8m in guaranteed payments plus £8.6m in add-ons would not be enough to persuade Sporting to sell their star player. Though a package of just over £60m — with the extra £8.6m tied to achievable targets — might persuade Sporting to do a deal as they will not want to keep an unhappy Gyokeres at the club. Why Mikel Arteta must deliver best team in London a trophy | Arsenal Exposed Arsenal boss Advertisement He wants a new man on the plane when the Gunners fly to Singapore for the start of their pre-season tour on July 19. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates Frankfurt ace Hugo Ekitike and former Sesko, 22, is due to return to training with Leipzig on Saturday. Advertisement Bundesliga club Leipzig are yet to receive a bid for the Slovenian but must sell at least one big star to balance the books after failing to qualify for Europe. Arsenal have completed a £51m deal for Spain's Martin Zubimendi, 26, with the midfielder set to sign within 36 hours. 2 Advertisement
Scottish Sun
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Arsenal aim to complete two signings by NEXT WEEK as summer transfer spree hots up
Palace name their price for Eze HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS Arsenal aim to complete two signings by NEXT WEEK as summer transfer spree hots up ARSENAL hope to sign Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard in time for their pre-season training camp in Spain next week. The Gunners' only summer signing so far saw them activate Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga's £5million release clause to make him back-up for No 1 David Raya. Advertisement 3 Martin Zubimendi is on the verge of being announced as a new Gooner 3 Christian Norgaard is set to join from Brentford too Credit: Getty But Zubimendi's £51m arrival from Real Sociedad is on the verge of being announced. And Brentford man Norgaard will not be far behind after having a medical ahead of a £10m plus add-ons switch. If all goes smoothly, the midfield duo should be on the plane for warm-weather training in Spain ahead of a pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong from July 19. Defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has had his contract mutually terminated due to his poor injury record, despite having a year left on his Emirates deal. Advertisement READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS Arsenal Files Still no Sesko transfer offer as Gunners wait for nervous Leipzig to act The Japanese star, who featured for just SIX minutes last term, is recovering from a long-term knee issue that will keep him out for most of 2025. Meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres has rejected two more offers with the Sporting CP striker still determined to join Arsenal this summer. The Sweden international remains in a heated stand-off with his club and is desperate to secure a summer transfer away with North London his preferred destination. Juventus were ready to offer the 26-year-old that opportunity next season but he also turned down a move to Turin with the Bianconeri since signing Jonathan David. Advertisement Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates While he has his heart set on Arsenal, the Premier League giants are also exploring a move for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko – possibly leaving Gyokeres in limbo if Mikel Arteta's side sign for the Slovenia international. Al-Hilal and Al-Qadisiyah have made approaches which have been rejected by the Sporting star. Arsenal Plot Big Double Transfer For Eberechi Eze and Hugo Ekitike! | Transfers Exposed Gyokeres scored 54 goals in 52 appearances to lead Sporting to a domestic double last season but his relationship with the club has turned toxic in recent weeks. Advertisement Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have revealed that Eberechi Eze will not be sold for a price lower than £68m, report The Mirror. That is the value of the winger's release clause and Palace are unwilling to negotiate for less than that fee. Arsenal are favourites to sign Eze this summer but there is also interest from Tottenham too. Gunners have made contact in their bid to sign Chelsea star Noni Madueke. Advertisement
