Arsenal are weighing up a move for the £50m-rated Noni Madueke from Chelsea as their summer transfer business ramps up but Micah Richards has raised concerns over where he fits into their team
Micah Richards admits he’s “scratching his head” as to where Noni Madueke would fit in at Arsenal given their interest in the Chelsea star. Mikel Arteta is ramping up his recruitment and the England international is now on his radar.
The winger enjoyed a strong season with the Blues, coming up with 16 goals and assists as the west Londoners claimed the UEFA Conference League. He’s also broken into the Three Lions squad but does appear to be below Pedro Neto in the pecking order – with new signings arriving too in the shape of Jamie Gittens and Brazilian teenager Estevao.
It has led to talk of a move across London to the Emirates, with Arsenal monitoring his situation, although his £50million price tag could prove to be a sticking point. Nevertheless Richards doesn’t understand why Arsenal are pursuing someone who operates in the same position as Bukayo Saka.
The team’s talisman is a guaranteed starter and it would require Madueke to play from his less favoured left side if he were to join. Richards has backed the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad but believes the focus now must be on landing a No 9.
He said on The Rest is Football podcast: “I like Zubimendi. We saw him in the Euros final, when Rodri came off. Very good player, tactically really good. He’s good on the ball, really good awareness in midfield. Gyokeres is a really good striker. I think a striker is more important than getting Madueke in first.
READ MORE: Enzo Maresca gives unflinching response on Noni Madueke amid Arsenal transfer linksREAD MORE: Arsenal chief Andrea Berta flies out for final talks over £70m Viktor Gyokeres transfer
“Madueke… where is he going to play? He’s been playing for Chelsea on the left recently. I really like him as a player, but I like him on the right and he’s not going to play ahead of Bukayo Saka, is he?
“So, I’m scratching my head on that one. I agree [that they need two players in every position]. But Saka is always fit normally, until he got that really bad injury.”
With Chelsea continuing to land new arrivals Madueke could fall further down the pecking order, opening the door to a move away after just over two years at Stamford Bridge. Enzo Maresca has also made it clear that he only wants “happy” players on his books.
The Italian, when quizzed on his winger, said: “Noni has been very important for us. But my message to the players and to the club is that I just want players that are happy to be with us. The ones that are not happy, they are free to go. Noni has been very good during the season.”
Arsenal’s recent captures from their London rivals include Jorginho, who contributed during his spell before leaving this summer. Raheem Sterling’s loan signing 12 months ago was far less successful with the ex-Manchester City man struggling for form. This summer they’ve landed the signature of Kepa Arrizabalaga.
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