Arsenal legend demands explanation over controversial Noni Madueke deal.

Arsenal legend Sol Campbell believes Noni Madueke could be a valuable signing for the team but has urged the club to clarify their transfer decisions to ease fan concerns.

Arsenal reached an agreement on personal terms with the Chelsea winger last week, finalizing a £52 million deal on Thursday night. While Madueke played regularly under Enzo Maresca last season, his move to the Emirates has raised eyebrows among supporters, with thousands backing a #NOTOMADUEKE petition.

The Gunners are targeting a left-sided attacker, yet Madueke has predominantly featured on the right for Chelsea — a role already firmly held by Bukayo Saka at Arsenal.

If the deal goes through, Madueke would be the sixth Chelsea player to join Arsenal under Mikel Arteta.

The Chelsea forward is in the verge of joining Arsenal(Getty Images)

Campbell, who made headlines 24 years ago by moving from Tottenham to Arsenal, believes Madueke has the talent to succeed at the club but understands the concerns of the fans.

As many supporters question how the former PSV Eindhoven winger fits into the squad—given that his preferred position is already held by Saka—Campbell has urged the club to communicate their transfer strategy more clearly to the fans, especially with decisions that could shape their summer window.

‘I’ve seen him play, and he’s a very dynamic, keep-going kind of player that can cause problems when he gets into the final third,’ Campbell told Metro, courtesy of BetSelect.

‘I think most people are probably thinking, “Do we need him?”. He’s a quality player, but I think the club needs to explain why they’re getting certain players in and how it’s going to fit into our system.

‘It’s important to explain that to the players and the fans.’

A fee in excess of £50m with add-ons has been agreed between Arsenal and Chelsea(Getty images)

Madueke’s potential arrival is likely to spark questions about Gabriel Martinelli’s future at the club. The Brazilian forward has found it difficult to replicate his impressive 2022-23 form, where he netted 15 Premier League goals, and has faced increased competition from Leandro Trossard for the starting spot on the left wing over the past two seasons.

Campbell is a strong supporter of Martinelli but understands Arsenal’s desire to “shake things up.” The former England defender believes that increased competition on the left flank could help push the Brazilian to rediscover his best form—provided he’s ready to rise to the challenge.

‘Martinelli has been great. He’s been amazing,’ Campbell said.

The arrival of Madueke could throw into doubt the future of Martinelli at Arsenal(Getty Images)

‘He picked up at the back end of the 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 put pressure on certain positions and certain players to get focus. That’s the focus you need to win something.’