Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Noni Madueke’s father played a key role in the winger’s move from Chelsea to Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
Born and raised in Barnet, Madueke was eligible to represent the Super Eagles through his Nigerian father, before making a cap-tying appearance for England in a UEFA Nations League match against Finland last September.
Although he has yet to find the back of the net, Madueke has made an encouraging start to life at Arsenal, helping them win four of their opening five matches in all competitions.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Manchester City, Arteta explained that discussions with the player’s Nigerian father proved pivotal in the Chelsea star making the switch to the Emirates Stadium.
“The moment I picked up the phone, I spoke to him, his dad and his agent, and the three of them gave me the impression that they were really willing to come, and they saw something special here that they wanted to be part of,” the Spanish coach was quoted as saying by Arsenal’s official website.
“Then you have to come here, and slowly they start to get to know him, and he starts to get to understand the team.”
Arsenal are Madueke’s fourth London club, following previous spells with Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
Noni’s father, Ifeanyi Madueke, visited Nigeria in August 2023 for a scouting exercise in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.