Noni Madueke – Arsenal's latest contract from Chelsea – is a determined individual, confident in his ability.
If Noni Madueke comes to Marbella before the season, people will never see Arsenal's rookie back to luxurious places of the coastal city of Spain. “His friends are partying at the night clubs on the beach,” Madueke's personal coach, Saul Isakson-Hurst. “But he came to practice every day even when I told you to take a few days off. But Noni is very determined. He understands the importance of hard work – the more you spend, the more you get. The fact that he wants to do more.”
Just recently, Madueke relaxed with Jadon Sancho at the Wireless Festival in Finsbury Park, northern London. After being restricted by Enzo Maresca in the first 5 matches of Chelsea at FIFA Club World Cup 2025, the 23 -year -old flew back from the US last Friday, just before the final, after reaching an agreement with Arsenal.
Of the 4 players earlier to Emirates from Chelsea, perhaps only Kai Havertz is considered successful. Willian, Jorginho and Raheem Sterling were largely not impressed. That can explain the opposition from some Arsenal fans when the news about Madueke's about to move to appear. They even launched a proposal with #NOTOMADUEKE (say no to Madueke) and collected 5,000 signatures at the time of the confirmed transfer.
According to Isakson-Hurst, the first time he met Madueke when the player had just crept on the first team of PSV, criticisms could hardly affect a person he described as “mental monster”.
“Noni is very consistent, and he knows his quality,” he said. “Anyone who participates in football and especially develops the player knows how talented he is. He is still a young player and his potential is infinite. He is one of the most interesting young attack players in Europe. I don't think it bothers him. Unfortunately, it is part of this sport but with Noni, it is like water.”
The speed that Madueke was disgraced in Stamford Bridge surprised many people, especially after he launched England last year. Madueke recorded the first hat-trick in his career against Wolves in August, but only scored 4 more goals in the Premier League in the next 26 main kicks.
With the contracts of Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Estevao and Joao Pedro supplementing attack options for Maresca, Madueke felt that his chance would be greatly limited. And therefore, Madueke really wants to join Arsenal, where Arteta hopes he will provide the necessary support for Bukayo Saka on the right wing and promote Gabriel Martinelli to kick the main wing. “Everything in Chelsea is very difficult, because he wants to play like any young player,” Isakson-Hurst said. “He needs a place where he is treasured and played regularly.”
Joining another club in London will not be new to Madueke. He was discovered by Crystal Palace when he was 9 years old and traveled around the capital for three years. Madueke's father Ify – who also acted as his representative – felt extremely relieved when Tottenham recruited Madueke in 2014 because the shorter travel distance also allowed his son to attend the prestigious private school St Columba's in St Albans.
Madueke rejected the offer from MU at the age of 16 after shining to England at different young levels, and then moved to the Netherlands in June 2018. Jadon Sancho also moved from Man City to Dortmund in the previous summer.
“It was a big and bold step when going abroad at that age,” Isakson-Hurst said. “Noni came there because he knew that like many young players abroad now, they had more opportunities to play football in the first team. And he had more opportunities to return sooner (compared to when he joined Chelsea in January 2023), but he just wanted to stay to make sure he was playing football. All the decisions he made is the best for his career and the best of his own career and his career. Step outside his safe area. Wherever he goes, he will succeed. “
