Mikel Arteta looks set to bolster his squad further this summer with the addition of winger Noni Madueke from across London in a £52million deal from rivals Chelsea
Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Noni Madueke after making a £50m-plus bid.
Chelsea are now in advanced talks with the Gunners with a deal for the England winger now likely to go ahead by this weekend. Madueke, 23, has already agreed personal terms on a switch to the Emirates and is set to sign a five-year deal with Arsenal.
Chelsea wanted in excess of £50m while Arsenal tried to negotiate and it now appears they are ready to compromise with a series of add-ons taking it up to £52m. Arsenal’s push to sign Madueke has received a negative response from fans and there has even been an online petition against it.
Chelsea are ready to offload players including Madueke after another big summer spending spree which has seen them buy Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro to bolster their front line.
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Madueke’s arrival at Arsenal would follow hot on the heels of Christian Norgaard who has joined the Gunners from Brentford. The Denmark midfielder has signed a two-year deal with a 12 month option after Arsenal agreed a deal worth £12million with the Bees.
Norgaard is already eyeing up some ambitious targets and says he will fulfil a “childhood dream” of running out to the Champions League anthem. He admitted it would have taken a “miracle” to play on European football’s biggest stage with Brentford and that is why he jumped at the chance of joining Arsenal.
“You can get almost emotional because maybe it was a dream that I’ve given a little bit up on coming towards the later stage in my career,” Norgaard said. “I’ve just turned 31 and had signed a new deal with Brentford. Of course, there’s always a little chance that a miracle could happen with Brentford, but it was probably unrealistic to play Champions League with them.
“Now, I get to hear the anthem and be a part of a Champions League campaign. It’s a childhood dream and something I didn’t think would be possible. So it’s something I’m really, really happy about.” Norgaard admits he grew up watching the Invincibles and says he has developed his game into a more attacking role after scoring six times across all competitions last season.
He will wear the No.16 shirt and added: “It’s developed a little bit over the years. I started as a more offensive player and now I’m a bit more of a holding midfielder. It’s important for me that a team has a good defensive structure and hopefully I can contribute to that.
“Then coming off a season where I’ve had a lot of goal involvements, it’s something I really hope I can take into this season as well. I don’t know what the gaffer’s plans are with me, but hopefully I can also have some freedom to join the offensive play.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta added: “We’re delighted to welcome Christian to Arsenal. He is an international player with a wealth of experience of the Premier League. He has proven leadership skills and a strong character which will be invaluable to our squad.
“He is a strong midfielder with excellent tactical awareness and versatility. He also has physical presence and intelligence which will give us added depth and balance.
“Christian will bring a lot to the group both on and off the pitch, and we’re excited to start working with him in this next chapter of his career. We welcome Christian and his family to Arsenal.”
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