"Do We Really Need Him?" — Sol Campbell Questions Arsenal’s £52m Move for Chelsea Star Noni Madueke

Arsenal legend Sol Campbell has given his honest verdict on the Gunners’ controversial pursuit of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, urging the club to be more transparent with fans about their transfer decisions.

The 22-year-old England international is on the verge of joining Arsenal in a £52million deal from Chelsea after agreeing personal terms earlier this week. While manager Mikel Arteta appears eager to add more attacking firepower to his squad, the move has raised plenty of eyebrows among the fanbase.

Thousands of Arsenal supporters have signed a “#NOTOMADUEKE” petition online, questioning the need for the winger — especially since he mostly plays on the right, where Bukayo Saka is already a guaranteed starter.

Despite the criticism, Campbell believes Madueke can be a strong addition to the squad — but admits the club needs to provide more clarity about how such signings fit into their long-term plans.

“He’s a very dynamic, keep-going kind of player that can cause problems in the final third,” Campbell told Metro, via BetSelect.
“But I think most people are thinking, ‘Do we need him?’ He’s a quality player, but the club needs to explain why they’re getting certain players and how they’ll fit into the system. It’s important to explain that to the players and the fans.”

The former Arsenal captain, who controversially joined the club from rivals Tottenham in 2001, acknowledged the excitement Madueke could bring to the Emirates, but also understands why fans are worried.

With Arsenal reportedly looking for a left-sided forward, the decision to target a right winger has confused many supporters. Madueke has made most of his appearances at Chelsea from the right flank — the same position where Saka has made himself undroppable.

Campbell suggests that Arteta might be trying to shake things up — especially for players like Gabriel Martinelli, who has been inconsistent since his breakout 2022-23 season.

“Martinelli has been great, he’s been amazing,” Campbell said.
“He picked up at the back end of last season. But you have to change it up. I think Arteta wants to put players quietly under pressure to see how they react.”

“How will you respond to competition? If you’re a top player, you respond with concentration and quality. You need that pressure and focus to win something.”

Madueke, who joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in 2023, had a mixed first full season at Stamford Bridge. While he showed flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency left some Blues fans frustrated. Still, his potential is clear, and some Chelsea supporters are upset to see him leave just as he’s beginning to improve.

Arteta’s plans for Madueke remain unclear, especially given the existing talent on the wings. But if the £52m move goes through, there’s no doubt that pressure will mount — both on Madueke to deliver and on the club to explain their strategy.