Mikel Arteta is poised to welcome a supportive team-mate in Noni Madueke, as the Chelsea winger appears ready to trade Stamford Bridge for the Emirates Stadium.
Madueke's protective and kind nature has previously been observed with Chelsea forward and former Gunners loanee Raheem Sterling, whom he has defended on several occasions. Madueke will be Arsenal's fourth summer signing, after they agreed a £52million deal with their Premier League and London rivals Chelsea.
Madueke, 23, will sign a five-year contract, and while his addition will bolster a lacking forward line, Arteta will be equally pleased with the young winger's attitude towards his team-mates.
During the 2023/24 season, Chelsea faced Leicester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals, and fans were not impressed with Sterling's performance. He struggled to create opportunities and missed a penalty in the first half of the match that could have eased many fans' concerns.
After being substituted just minutes before full time, the winger was met with jeers and boos from the crowd, much to Madueke's frustration. Speaking post-match, the then-22-year-old defended his older colleague, urging Blues supporters to support 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 teammates, 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."
Following Sterling's public apology on social media for his penalty miss, Madueke stepped up once again to back the high-profile player. He said: "Bro no need to apologise... we appreciate you."
The Chelsea youngster also didn't hesitate to clap back at a critic who singled out Sterling for the penalty miss, as he said in a now-deleted reply: "Be quiet man, people like you are the issue."
Madueke's staunch defence of Sterling highlights his friendly nature and unwavering commitment to those he shares the pitch with. This strong stance in loyalty exemplifies exactly the type of character Arteta could be looking for, as Arsenal aim for that elusive Premier League crown.
Madueke is also basking in the glow of recent European triumphs. He recently clinched the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup with Chelsea, overcoming Real Betis and Paris Saint-Germain, respectively, to add more silverware to his trophy cabinet.
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