Noni Madueke Explains Why He Left Chelsea for Arsenal in £50m Transfer: ‘I Believed They Were Going to Win Trophies’

Noni Madueke has offered his clearest explanation yet for why he chose to leave Chelsea and join Arsenal in a £50 million ($68m) deal during the summer transfer window — a move that raised eyebrows given his contribution to Chelsea’s Conference League triumph.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the 24-year-old England international was direct about what drew him across London to the Emirates. “I just believed Arsenal were going to win trophies, so that’s why I moved,” Madueke said. His words carry particular weight now, with Arsenal closing in on their first Premier League title in 23 years, with two matches of the season remaining.

The transfer had surprised a portion of the football world at the time, coming so soon after Madueke had featured in Chelsea’s European success. Despite that, the winger appears to have settled comfortably into Mikel Arteta’s setup, where he has provided important contributions off the bench throughout what has proven to be a landmark campaign for the north London club.

Madueke credited the presence of England teammates within the squad as a key factor in easing his transition. “The England boys helped me a lot, I was already close to them so it was great,” he said. “The whole club helped me though, everyone in and around the club was helpful. It’s full of good people and people who want to work hard and achieve something. It was easy in that sense.”

Arsenal’s season has been defined by two historic pursuits simultaneously. In the Premier League, the Gunners have pushed to the brink of ending a title drought that stretches back to the 2003/04 Invincibles campaign. In Europe, the club has reached their first UEFA Champions League final in 20 years following their elimination of Atletico Madrid — a run that has captured the imagination of supporters and neutrals alike.

Madueke’s arrival last summer added to an already competitive attacking department at Arsenal, and his ability to play across the front line has given Arteta additional flexibility during the business end of a gruelling season on two fronts.

With two Premier League matches remaining, Arsenal’s title fate remains in their own hands. Their most recent fixture, a win over West Ham in which Leandro Trossard scored a decisive goal, moved them closer to the finishing line. The club will be determined to maintain momentum as they approach what could be a historic conclusion to the 2025/26 season.