Madueke joined Arsenal last week from the Blues for £52M, making him the 10th player to make the move across London since the turn of the millennium. Other players who have made such a switch are Petr Cech, David Luiz, Willian, Kai Havertz and recently Raheem Sterling in deals that have for the most part not quite worked out.
Following in the footsteps of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga who also made the move from Chelsea, Madueke arrives after fans protested his move as confusion around his deal spread around fans.
However, Arteta was asked why Arsenal have signed several players from Chelsea recently despite many of the deals in the past never turning out to be successful.
“Probably because they have some great players, and a lot of players.
“But, yeah, we try to focus on the players that we want to sign, regardless of the club they are in.”
A change.org petition against the signing has garnered more than 5,000 signatures to oppose Madueke’s arrival as fans express their anger and frustration of signing Chelsea players that are deemed surplus to requirements. However, Arteta is satisfied with his business so far and believes Madueke will be a pivotal part of the team.
“It's probably a coincidence. What is not a coincidence is the squad and the quality of the squad. While I'm here as well, I congratulate them for winning the Club World Cup because I think it was a big achievement for them.
“With Noni, I'm very, very excited. You've seen the reaction of all the players as well, especially the ones who know him very well. He needs a little bit of a break now, but he will be with us soon showing what he's going to bring to the team.”