Arsenal signing a player from rivals Chelsea has become common practice in the recent seasons.
But even by the current standards, the timing of Noni Madueke’s move to the Emirates Stadium has raised a few eyebrows on the red and blue sides of London.
Madueke left Chelsea to join the Gunners at the tail end of the recently concluded FIFA Club World Cup, which the Blues ended up winning in the USA.
Now, Madueke’s former Chelsea teammate, Marc Cucurella, has given his verdict on the timing of the 23-year-old’s move to Arsenal.
Cucurella was asked by Gerard Moreno if Madueke’s decision to leave Chelsea during the Club World Cup was “strange”, to which he replied: “Yes, I think so. I think he missed a good opportunity (although) he wasn’t playing as a starter.
“I do think it was because of everything that was happening regarding his future, and in the end, I think it could have delayed him a couple of days since he left a day early or something like that.”
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“It wouldn’t have cost him anything to wait for the next day. In the end, I think he missed a pretty good opportunity.
Despite its timing, a move away from Stamford Bridge does make sense for the England international, as he struggled for game time under Enzo Maresca last season.
Additionally, the recent signing of Jamie Gittens may have limited his playing time next season, as Maresca looks to reshape his attacking options for 2025/26.
Though the winger may not be guaranteed a starting spot at Arsenal either, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli ahead of him in the pecking order, and he faces another battle to prove himself.
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