Overview
- Arsenal officially announced the signing of Noni Madueke from Chelsea on a five-year contract, with an initial fee of £48.5 million rising to £52 million including add-ons.
- Madueke becomes the fourth senior arrival of the summer transfer window after Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Nørgaard and Martín Zubimendi, pushing Arsenal’s spending beyond £100 million.
- More than 5,000 supporters have signed a “No to Madueke” petition and sprayed “Arteta Out” graffiti on murals outside the Emirates Stadium to protest the deal.
- Arsenal’s bid for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres is reported to include an initial €63.5 million fee plus €10 million in add-ons, but Sporting president Frederico Varandas has publicly denied any prior gentleman’s agreement.
- Gyokeres has stayed away from Sporting’s pre-season training as the two clubs work through disagreements over the structure and payment schedule of his proposed transfer.