Former Premier League midfielder Don Hutchinson has said he doesn’t understand why Arsenal have signed Noni Madueke.
Madueke is set to join the Gunners in a deal worth £52m, and it’s believed he will sign a five year contract with Mikel Arteta’s side.
The 23-year-old won’t be part of the Chelsea squad for Sunday’s Club World Cup final, and has been given permission to fly to the UK to complete his medical.
Hutchinson doesn’t understand Arsenal signing Madueke
Madueke is set to provide much needed back-up for Bukayo Saka on the right wing, whilst he will also be an option on the left.
The England international featured regularly for Chelsea last season and scored seven goals and registered four assists in 32 Premier League appearances.
Jason Cundy has admitted he’d be disappointed if Madueke left, and Hutchinson has now stated he doesn’t understand the transfer.
Madueke is set to swap Chelsea for Arsenal. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
“I don’t understand this transfer,” he said as cited on X.com.
“From an Arsenal point of view, he plays where Bukayo Saka does, so it’ll be tough for him to get games. The competition, of course, makes sense, especially if Saka is injured, but they have Ethan Nwaneri.
“His contract is running down now, and I’d have been tempted to use money earmarked for Madueke to get a deal done for Nwaneri instead.”
Madueke is thought to have wanted a new challenge in a bid to get more regular football given the influx of attacking signings this summer.
The winger finishes his Chelsea career with 20 goals and nine assists in 92 appearances after joining in January 2023.
Nicolas Jackson faces uncertain future
With Madueke gone, questions have continued to circle about Jackson’s future following the arrival of both Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.
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Jackson is arguably third in the pecking order at this stage, and faces genuine competition for his place for the first time in his Chelsea career.
The 24-year-old has been linked with AC Milan, whilst Premier League sides are also interested, and it’s certainly a situation to watch over the coming weeks.