Mikel Arteta has addressed Arsenal’s recent transfer activity involving Chelsea, as questions surfaced ahead of their pre-season opener against AC Milan in Singapore.
With Noni Madueke becoming the latest player to make the move from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates, following the likes of Kepa, Kai Havertz, Jorginho and even Willian in recent years, it was only a matter of time before the media dug into the North London club’s growing connection with their rivals.
Arteta explains why Arsenal keep turning to Chelsea
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta was quick to cut through any noise about politics between clubs. He kept it simple and honest.
“Probably because they have some great players, and a lot of players,” he told reporters when asked about the Chelsea link.
It’s a fair point. Chelsea’s bloated squad and their scattergun recruitment strategy in recent seasons have opened doors for smart operators like Arsenal to pick off players who aren’t central to the plans at Stamford Bridge but could thrive under a more structured manager like Arteta.
“We try to focus on the players we want to sign regardless of the club,” Arteta added. “With Noni, very excited. He needs a break now but he will be with us soon showing what he is going to bring to the team.”
Madueke deal fits Arsenal’s tactical blueprint
It’s easy to see why Arsenal moved fast to bring in Madueke. At just 23, he offers a profile Arteta didn’t previously have in wide areas — a left-footed winger who can operate on either flank, beat players in 1v1s, and carry a goal threat with both feet. He’s also Premier League-proven and still has room to develop under coaching that suits his strengths.
Arsenal were opportunistic here and the Gunners saw their moment, agreed personal terms quickly, and wrapped up a £52m deal in a matter of days.
For Madueke, the draw was obvious. A chance to compete at the top end of the Premier League, to play Champions League football, and to be part of a young, ambitious project under a manager who clearly believes in him.
Author Opinion
This isn’t about poaching from a rival for the sake of it. Arsenal aren’t obsessed with where a player comes from they’re focused on what a player can bring. That’s what Arteta is reinforcing here. Madueke is now a Gunner because he fits the football. It just so happens that Chelsea, again, were the ones willing to sell.
