Mikel Arteta has lifted the lid on why Arsenal keep dipping into Chelseas talent pool after recently sealing another major deal for winger, Noni Madueke.
Madueke, who joined the Gunners in a transfer that could rise to £52 million, became the second Chelsea player to swap Stamford Bridge for the Emirates this summer, following goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalagas earlier arrival.
That makes Madueke the sixth Chelsea player to sign for Arsenal since Arteta took charge.
In recent seasons, the Gunners have brought in Jorginho, Kai Havertz, Willian, and even Raheem Sterling on a short-term loan, raising eyebrows about Arsenals repeated raids on their London rivals.
Asked directly about the trend, Arteta brushed aside any suggestion of a deliberate plan to raid Chelsea and insisted it is purely about signing the right players, wherever they come from.
Probably, because they have some great players, and a lot of players. But we try to focus on the players that we want to sign, regardless of the club they are in. Its probably a coincidence. What is not a coincidence is the squad and the quality of the squad, he said.
On Madueke, Arteta could not hide his excitement about what the 22-year-old winger will bring to Arsenals attack once he settles in.
With Noni, Im very, very excited, he said. Youve seen the reaction of all the players as well, especially the ones who know him very well. He needs a little bit of a break now, but he will be with us soon, showing what hes going to bring to the team.
Madueke is Arsenals fourth new signing of the summer transfer window as Arteta prepares the team ahead of the 2025/26 season.
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