Micah Richards ‘scratching his head’ over £50m Arsenal transfer decision

Micah Richards admits that while he likes Noni Madueke, he is confused as to why Arsenal are trying to sign the Chelsea star.

The Gunners have ramped up their transfer activity lately, recently confirming the signings of Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi.

A deal is also in place to acquire Christian Norgaard from Brentford, while talks are advancing over a big money transfer for striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Mikel Arteta also wants to bring in a versatile attacking player, with Eberechi Eze, Rodrygo and Anthony Gordon on their shortlist.

But it appears they are instead going to land Madueke, having agreed personal terms with the winger who is currently playing for Chelsea at the Club World Cup.

The Blues are more than open to selling the 23-year-old, but want £50million for him, a price the Gunners may not be willing to pay.

Madueke has enjoyed a good 2024/25 campaign, recording 16 goal contributions in 45 games, winning the Conference League and breaking into the England squad.

Nevertheless, Richards believes he’ll struggle for game time at the Emirates, as he assessed Arsenal’s transfer business.

‘I like Zubimendi. We saw him in the Euros final, when Rodri came off,’ the Manchester City icon said on The Rest is Football podcast.

‘Very good player, tactically really good. He’s good on the ball, really good awareness in midfield.

‘Gyokeres is a really good striker. I think a striker is more important than getting Madueke in first.

‘Madueke… where is he going to play? He’s been playing for Chelsea on the left recently.

‘I really like him as a player, but I like him on the right and he’s not going to play ahead of Bukayo Saka, is he? So, I’m scratching my head on that one.

‘I agree [that they need two players in every position]. But Saka is always fit normally, until he got that really bad injury.’

Madueke has spent the vast majority of his career playing on the right but appears to have lost his place in Chelsea’s XI to Pedro Neto, and faces increased competition from summer signings Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Estevao.

If he does move to Arsenal he will be cover for Saka but will find it very hard to usurp his England teammate, with his best chance of starting coming on the left-wing where he’ll compete against Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

For now, Madueke could be in action on Tuesday night when Chelsea take on Fluminense for a place in the Club World Cup final against either PSG or Real Madrid.

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