Arsenal have sealed the controversial signing of Chelsea forward Noni Madueke in a deal worth a reported 48 million pounds ($65m).
Madueke agreed to a five-year contract with the Gunners as he moved to the Emirates Stadium despite complaints from Arsenal fans.
The 23-year-old will provide competition for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on the flanks in Mikel Arteta’s side.
Madueke’s switch across London, which could eventually exceed $69m with performance-related add-ons, has led to stinging criticism from supporters who believe he is not worth the price tag.
A petition labelled “No to Madueke” has attracted more than 5,000 signatures from Arsenal fans, while murals outside the Emirates were vandalised with “Arteta out” slogans.
Madueke left Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup-winning campaign in the United States last Friday to undergo his medical at Arsenal and put the finishing touches to the deal.
“Noni is an exciting and powerful young player, with his performances and numbers in recent seasons being of consistently high quality. He is one of the most talented wide forward players in the Premier League,” Arteta said.
“At just 23, Noni already brings experience of club and international football, and he knows the Premier League very well. Having seen the quality of Noni’s performances up close in recent seasons, we’re really excited he is joining us.
“Noni joins our group with familiar England teammates and other players he knows. He will be made to feel at home straight away. His arrival will really improve our squad. We’re all thrilled to have him here.”
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