Mikel Arteta knows character he’s getting after Noni Madueke’s comments about Raheem Sterling

Arsenal are closing in on a deal to bring Noni Madueke to the Emirates Stadium from Chelsea, and Mikel Arteta is already aware of the supportive nature of his incoming winger

Mikel Arteta is set to capture a supportive team-mate in Noni Madueke, as the Chelsea winger looks set to swap Stamford Bridge for the Emirates Stadium. The winger’s protective and kind nature has been spotted in action previously with Chelsea attacker and former Gunners loanee Raheem Sterling, whom he stuck up for on multiple occasions.

Arsenal are closing in on their fourth signing of the summer in Madueke, after striking a £52million deal with their Premier League and London rivals Chelsea.

Personal terms have already been agreed on a five-year deal for the 23-year-old, and while he will add quality and depth to a somewhat lacking forward line, Arteta will be equally pleased by the young winger’s attitude towards his team-mates.

During the 2023/24 season, Chelsea took on Leicester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals and fans were left less than impressed with Sterling’s performance on the pitch. He struggled to create chances and missed a penalty in the first half of the game that could have quelled a lot of fans’ worries.

After being substituted just minutes before the 90 was up, the winger was met with jeers and boos from the crowd – much to Madueke’s displeasure. Speaking post-match, the then-22-year-old stuck up for his elder colleague, urging Blues supporters to back the England international.

He said: “It’s so important (to support him). I’m nobody to tell you not to have an opinion but I also have mine. That’s one of my team-mates and the criticism is harsh and unfair. It’s our duty to voice our opinion and try to change the narrative a bit.

“Raheem is an exceptional footballer and an even better person. It’s a bit upsetting when I see some of the criticism. I’m sure he can handle it but we know how important he is for us.

“He’s definitely a big brother figure for a lot of us. There is a lot that people don’t see. All I know is that he’s exceptional and super committed to the cause.”

These words highlight Madueke’s bravery to stick his neck out and defend his team-mate, despite the stark contrast in age – showing just how loyal he is to the people he plays alongside.

After Sterling issued a public apology on social media for his penalty miss, Madueke continued his defence of the star player as he said: “Bro no need to apologise… we appreciate you.”

The young Chelsea star even went as far as to snap back at a fan who called out Sterling’s miss, writing in a now-deleted reply: “Be quiet man, people like you are the issue.”

Madueke’s defence of his former team-mate Sterling showcases his supportive nature and fierce loyalty to his team. This attitude may well be what Arteta is looking for in his squad, as the Gunners boss looks to begin yet another challenge for the Premier League crown.

Madueke is fresh off of some European success as well, after winning the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup with the Blues – defeating Real Betis and Paris Saint-Germain respectively to add silverware to his collection.

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