Arsenal

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We asked for your views on why certain Arsenal fans have voiced opposition to the expected signing of Noni Madueke from Chelsea.

Here are some of your comments that are more positive on the move:

Andrew: The key word is "online". These people signing petitions aren't Arsenal fans - they live in some parallel fantasy universe on social media where football is viewed like a video game. I'm a season ticket holder and people who go to games believe in Mikel Arteta and trust his judgement because he's usually right. Madueke might not be an exciting signing now, but he could prove to be a very good one. Nico Williams was never coming, Rodrygo is a waste of money, Anthony Gordon is overrated and I don't think this affects Eberechi Eze. We'll see how it all works out.

Andrew: I quite like what I've seen of Madueke. Don't know what all the fuss is about. Think he could be a good acquisition due to his flexibility of being able to play on both flanks.

JR: Personally I think if we had a striker sorted before this, everyone would be happy with Madueke. Seems like a good back-up to Bukayo Saka and it will also make the squad better than last season.

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Callum: I get the anger at the fact we are signing another Chelsea player, but the whole thing of signing a petition to make him not sign is embarrassing. When he puts on the shirt, he will be backed. A good player, but high fee and having played for Chelsea has sadly already written him off for most.

Oli: I can see why Arsenal have gone for this, young winger and Andrea Berta probably cares more about strengthening Arsenal than paying a rival. It just hurts to see Chelsea's strategy start to pay off with how much they've gotten out of this deal.

Damo: Madueke is a young player who has undoubted quality and an ability to beat defenders. Not sure what the fuss is about. Good signing in my opinion. Leandro Trossard is decent but is 30 and Gabriel Martinelli isn't progressing.

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Here are some of your comments disapproving of the move:

Steve: It's underwhelming really. A lot of money for a back-up. He won't be a first choice over either Bukayo Saka on the right or Gabriel Martinelli on the left. They should have got a cheaper back-up player and used the excess money to seal the Viktor Gyokeres deal. I think the other thing about this is that some Arsenal fans were hoping to get Rodrygo. This is now not happening as Arsenal don't have the money to spend. Is Madueke the sort of player that will win you the Premier League? No but Rodrygo is, which is why there is disappointment in the ranks at Arsenal.

Martin: It's partly because it's another signing from Chelsea, and previous ones have rarely done well. Also, it is because we haven't made an attacking signing yet, and we'd rather the first one wasn't someone deemed expendable by Chelsea. Madueke isn't worth £50m - never mind what Chelsea want for him.

Nicolas: I can't help but feel a sense of deja vu with the latest transfer rumours. The idea of signing another under-performing Chelsea player, especially at a price north of £50m, feels less like strategic recruitment and more like charity work for their PSR compliance. It's hard to shake the feeling we're being mugged (again), while Chelsea have their feet up, grinning at our generosity. Surely we've learned our lesson by now?

Will: Honestly I reckon over half the fans don't think Madueke is a bad player. Its just the nature of the deal - £50m for a player who is going to sit on the bench behind Saka or look out of place on the left wing seems like poor business - particularly when this feels like a make or break season for major silverware. It's also that the money is going to Chelsea and we are helping our London rivals with their PSR issues.

Gooner07: I don't think it's necessarily that we don't want Madueke at all because he will undoubtedly enhance our squad depth. My frustration is at the fact that for more than a season or so now, it has been clear that we need a striker and so it's not rocket science to decide that a striker should be our absolute priority. So when Sporting reject our offer for Gyokeres asking for an extra £5m or so, and then we decide to open a pursuit for Madueke, using a considerable amount of money that could easily go toward Gyokeres, who is a striker - that's what is frustrating me.

Nigel: It's simple. We always buy players from Chelsea and, with the exception of Jorginho, they've all been rubbish. This is a different level as he has 'beef' with the club after his behaviour last season against us, throwing players around by their necks and the fact he is ex-Spurs says it all. He's not a player we should need or want.

Lorlumun: For me, we already have Nwaneri who's even better in that position than Madueke.

Ali: Because he's a Spurs reject and nothing in his performances to date suggest he will take our team to the next level. No one is excited about signing him, Eberechi Eze has more class and style on the ball and would be preferable. Madueke's return of seven goals in 32 appearances last season is hardly prolific or impressive.

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

There has been a strong reaction online from Arsenal supporters about the expected signing of Noni Madueke from Chelsea. There's been a trending hashtag and even an online petition started that has had over 4000 signatures. Why are some Gunners fans so against his signing?

Let me know here

Arsenal's pursuit of 27-year-old Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres is at risk of collapse because the club has had no communication with Sporting for three days. (Abola - in Portuguese), external

Real Madrid are open to letting Brazil winger Rodrygo leave this summer, but the club will leave the final decision to the 24-year-old, who wants to stay in Europe. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Following Real's defeat in the Club World Cup, coach Xabi Alonso wants to sell Rodrygo. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

Arsenal are believed to be confident that England Under-21 attacking midfielder Ethan Nwaneri will sign a new contract despite interest in the 18-year-old from Chelsea and clubs in Germany. (Guardian), external

Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho is targeting Belgium forward Leandro Trossard, with Arsenal open to selling the 30-year-old. (Fotospor - in Turkish), external

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Christian Norgaard says he will be fulfilling "a childhood dream" when he lines up for Arsenal and hears the Champions League.

The 31-year-old has left Brentford after six seasons and has become Mikel Arteta's latest summer signing.

"You can get almost emotional because maybe it was a dream that I've given a little bit up on coming towards the later stage in my career," said the Denmark international.

"There's always a little chance that a miracle could happen with Brentford, but it was probably unrealistic to play Champions League with them.

"Now, I get to hear the anthem and be a part of a Champions League campaign. It's a childhood dream and something I didn't think would be possible."

On what he can bring to Arsenal with his style of play, he added: "It's developed a little bit over the years. I started as a more offensive player and now I'm a bit more of a holding midfielder.

"It's important for me that a team has a good defensive structure and hopefully I can contribute to that.

"Then coming off a season where I've had a lot of goal involvements, it's something I really hope I can take into this season as well.

"I don't know what the gaffer's plans are with me, but hopefully I can also have some freedom to join the offensive play."

Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta believes Norgaard "will be invaluable" to his current squad because of his proven history in the Premier League.

"He is an international player with a wealth of experience of the Premier League. He has proven leadership skills and a strong character," added Arteta.

"He is a strong midfielder with excellent tactical awareness and versatility. He also has physical presence and intelligence, which will give us added depth and balance."

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Former Arsenal youngster Zac Shuaib is set to sign for Real Sociedad.

The 18-year-old left Arsenal once his contract expired at the end of June and after impressing on trial with the club he is set to join the academy setup in Spain.

The defensive midfielder also had a short trial at Brighton before securing the move to Sociedad.

Arsenal recently completed the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Sociedad's first team and sources say that the Gunners waived any compensation that they would be due from Shuaib leaving to allow him to complete the move to Spain.

The family of Shuaib's mother are Basque and live in the town of Hondarribia. The midfielder grew up spending summers in the region and it was his grandparents' dream he would end up playing for Real Sociedad as the club they support.

Shuaib studied at Eton until he was 16. He has an A-Level in Spanish alongside History and he hopes to complete a third A-Level in politics while at Real Sociedad.

It is also believed he will become the first English player to sign at Real Sociedad within their academy system.

Arsenal's negotiations for 27-year-old Sporting and Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres have stalled over a difference of opinion in overall value and terms. (Independent, external)

Al-Hilal want RB Leipzig and Slovenia forward Benjamin Sesko, 22, who is also a target for Arsenal. (Sun, external)

Finally, Liverpool could join Arsenal in the race to sign Real Madrid and Brazil winger Rodrygo, 24, if they end up losing Colombia winger Luis Diaz, 28, to Barcelona. (Sacha Tavolieri via Goal, external)

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Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

Arsenal have now made a formal approach to Chelsea for England forward Noni Madueke.

But where could the 23-year-old play for the Gunners?

Image source, Opta

Madueke has made the vast majority of his appearances for the Blues on the right, with 88% of his Premier League minutes coming on that flank since joining in January 2023.

His signing would, therefore, ease the burden on Bukayo Saka, who has perhaps been overworked in recent seasons.

Saka started 108 of 114 league matches from 2021-22 to 2023-24 but missed three months of the most recent campaign with a hamstring injury. Like Saka, when Madueke features on the right wing, he looks to cut inside and shoot with his favoured left foot.

However, Madueke actually ended 2024-25 playing on the left for Chelsea, with head coach Enzo Maresca altering his approach during the run-in.

The former PSV Eindhoven man started four of the Blues' final five Premier League matches on that flank, plus the Conference League final. He also began on the left in England's win against Andorra in June, when he was one of the Three Lions' better performers, setting up Harry Kane's winner.

So in addition to cover for Saka on the right, Madueke could provide competition for both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard on the opposite wing, where he would offer a slightly more direct threat.

In the most recent Premier League season, Madueke attempted more shots and dribbles per 90 minutes than both Martinelli and Trossard, and carried the ball significantly further.

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Noel Sliney
BBC Sport journalist

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As reported by BBC Sport's senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel last week, Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze is on Arsenal's list of summer transfer targets.

The England international, 27, has release clause of £60m, plus £8m in potential add-ons, in his contract, which has two years to run.

Palace representatives have, according to sources, been made aware of Arsenal's interest in Eze, who is open to the move, but it is understood the Eagles would demand the full release clause.

The south Londoner has an Arsenal past, having played for the club from the age of eight until he was released at 13.

"I remember crying in my room for a solid week," he said in 2020 of that rejection. Eze joined Palace from Queens Park Rangers five years ago for an initial £16m and has improved his goal and assists output in each of the past three seasons.

Under Oliver Glasner, Eze has made the switch from the left wing to more central areas as one of two attacking midfielders in a 3-4-2-1 formation.

Arsenal are in need of strengthening the middle of the park, with Thomas Partey and Jorginho both leaving on free transfers this summer, and Eze provides versatility and durability.

He can play in a number of attacking positions and managed 2,603 minutes of Premier League football last season.

Eze, who recently turned 27, would provide the creative spark which Arsenal lacked at times last season, especially without the injured Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka.

As well as his ability in tight spaces, Eze ranked highly for most combined shots and chances created in the 2024-25 Premier League, with only a handful of exalted players faring better. He could add much in a number eight role at Arsenal, even though it is slightly deeper than what he plays for Palace.

If we take a look at Arsenal's midfielders, no player registered more than five goals - except Mikel Merino, though he was used as makeshift striker towards the end of the campaign.

Declan Rice scored four in 35 Premier League appearances, Martin Odegaard three in 30, Partey four in 35 and Jorginho none in 15 games.

But signing Eze could lead to more goals. He is known to be ambitious with his shooting - only four players have had more goal attempts from outside the penalty area than Eze's Premier League tally of 165 since he joined Crystal Palace.

Only three players have scored more than his 11 top-flight goals from outside the box during that time - and Eze's sweetly struck long-range efforts against Fulham and Aston Villa put Palace en route to FA Cup glory in May.

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Arsenal are prepared to offer a player swap for Crystal Palace and England attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze, 27, and look set to beat Tottenham Hotspur to his signature. (Sun), external

Meanwhile, the Gunners' attempts to sign Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera have stalled as the La Liga club are asking for more than £20m for the 21-year-old Spaniard. (Mirror), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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The BBC's search to find a new football expert is under way, with 12 content creators competing in Last Pundit Standing to win a role as BBC Sport's next football content creator.

The first two episodes of the show - co-hosted by former Watford captain Troy Deeney and YouTuber and football presenter James Allcott - are available to watch on iPlayer, as well as BBC Sport's YouTube channel and TikTok account, with new episodes every week until 11 August.

The contestants, who were chosen from more than 400 applicants, will be whittled down through a series of tasks staged at iconic football locations as the creators are challenged by some of the biggest names in the game.

Read more about the show here

Watch the first two episodes of Last Pundit Standing now on BBC iPlayer

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Arsenal have confirmed their latest summer arrival as first team coach and former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze.

The 47-year-old previously played alongside Mikel Arteta during their spells at Paris Saint-Germain in the early 2000s, and will now take up the absent coaching position following the recent departure of Carlos Cuesta.

In a club statement Arsenal said Heinze "brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the club".

Heinze was most recently the head coach at Newell's Old Boys, where his playing career began, but has also held managerial roles across the Argentinian top-flight and at MLS side Atlanta United.

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BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions on all things Premier League.

Joseph asked: Why does it seem like Arsenal are prioritising a move for Noni Madueke over Eberechi Eze? Based on current form and versatility, Eze looks the more complete player. Also, what's behind Arsenal's growing interest in Chelsea players. Is it strategic, opportunistic, or something else entirely?

Phil answered: Arsenal have spent big on Martin Zubimendi and look certain to do so again soon on Viktor Gyokores, so will be weighing up the rest of their expenditure carefully.

I agree that, at this point, Eze is the more complete player, but Madueke is a real talent, four years younger and also a full England international - so it makes sense in the wider context.

I am sure Arsenal's interest in Chelsea players is purely strategic – and there might be some good deals to be had as they need to sell some players at Stamford Bridge.

Steve asked: A lot of people are saying Gyokeres won't be the right player for Arsenal but I think he will be the perfect fit. He's a great goalscorer, which we desperately need. What are your thoughts?

Phil answered: Well, we won't know until he gets here and plays at Premier League level, but Gyokores has the track record to suggest he is exactly what Arsenal need, with an outstanding tally of 97 goals in 102 matches in two seasons in Portugal.

That suggests he is the reliable marksman the Gunners require - and the type of striker they should have signed 12 months ago.

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We asked for your views on Arsenal potentially completing the signing of Swedish forward Victor Gyokeres and if you're excited about the striker.

Here are some of your comments:

Vince: His stats make for exciting reading, but he isn't proven in Europe's top leagues. I'm afraid he's another Darwin Nunez, who was just as impressive before underwhelming in the Premier League following a similarly expensive transfer. Still, he did win the title with Liverpool, so maybe that justifies the price tag after all!

Adam: Gyokeres feels like the best of the rest when Sesko was the preferred option. I would hate to think that in two years we regret not going all out for a world-class striker when we had the chance.

Philip: Gyokeres would not be my first choice as he is not a world-class striker, and at 27 years old, it is too much to pay for a player that age.

However, some fans loved the idea of signing Gyokeres and the prospect of a traditional forward lead the line for Arsenal.

Paul: Just get it done, why is everything a saga with Arsenal? Our rivals have completed their business.

Hammy: Absolutely, Gyokeres is a proven goal machine. He has a great hunger for goals and is a bona fide poacher who can perform in any club and in any league. His goals will win Arsenal massive titles, trust me. The only missing piece in the Arsenal attack is a goal machine, and he is there to solve it, and he knows why he's joining Arsenal.

Mike: Very excited. Let the beast come and shine. Would love to see him score against Manchester United to inflict pain on his former boss.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has held face-to-face talks with Sporting in Portugal as the Premier League club move closer towards a deal for striker Viktor Gyokeres.

BBC Sport revealed last Thursday the Gunners had accelerated their interest in the Sweden international as their well-documented search for a new centre-forward reaches a climax.

Meanwhile, Brentford captain Christian Norgaard is due to complete the formalities on his move to the Emirates in the coming days.

The two clubs have agreed a deal worth up to £15m for the Denmark international midfielder.

Arsenal will also decide whether to formalise a move for Chelsea attacker Noni Madueke after agreeing personal terms with the England international.

Chelsea are aware of interest in the versatile winger, 23.

Arsenal fans, is this Gyokeres deal exciting you? Let us know

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

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Since Mikel Arteta became manager of Arsenal in December 2019, the Gunners have signed three times as many goalkeepers as strikers.

Last week's arrivals of midfielder Martin Zubimendi and keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga took Arteta's incomings, including loan signings, to 32 over five seasons. Kepa was the sixth goalkeeper he has brought into the club.

Three-quarters of those additions have been midfielders or defenders.

The only two recognised strikers he has recruited are Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, both whom can play other roles but do have plenty of experience leading the line.

The Gunners have used Leandro Trossard up front at times but that was largely as a result of injuries to Jesus and Havertz earlier this year. As the Belgian has made the majority of his Premier League appearances on the wing, he has not been included as a striker in the chart below.

Zubimendi's arrival brings Arteta's total transfer spending to £743m, excluding add-ons, of which £107m went on Jesus and Havertz. That compares to £341m invested in midfielders and wingers, £231m on the defence and £63.5m on goalkeepers.

Arsenal scored 22 goals fewer in the league last season than in 2023-24. That lack of cutting edge contributed to them falling well behind eventual champions Liverpool and may have persuaded Arteta that recruiting a marquee number nine is overdue.