The transfer from Noni Madueke to Arsenal has become one of the most division of the summer. Yet there is quiet trust in their recruitment process within the club.
It has been a strange week in the world of Arsenal, because what could be a routine deal, has led unrest between parts of the fan base.
Online campaigns have encouraged the club to run away from the signing, with more than 5,000 people who add their names to a petition under the hashtag #notomadueke. Murals outside the emirates are even illegible with “arteta out” scribbled in protest.
But Arsenal has chased Madueke with a clear goal.
Backroom staff identified the need for a reliable alternative to Bukayo Saka – someone who could rotate in it without a significant fall in the performance level.
Arsenal has also been looking for players who offer a threat in the transition and the explosive pace and the style of Madueke's game at the assignment.
He adds something else to their attacking options, with the capacity to solve defenses both during the break and tight spaces. Moreover, there is a feeling that he can become a player who can be used in multiple positions.
Madueke's 24/25 Premier League Statsflash score
On Monday he underwent a medical, while Arsenal and Chelsea complete the legal elements of the deal.
Concerns around the transfer is not without context. Madueke has had a number of high -profile moments that raise questions about his discipline and decision -making. Last year he collided with teammate Cole Palmer during a penalty incident, he ignored the designated penalty contractor of the team and causing criticism from both fans and experts.
Later an Instagram post from Madueke, who refers to Wolverhampton in different terms, became viral. Moreover, Chelsea -Baas Enzo Maresca made it a point to publicly question his work percentage.
These incidents belong to elements that have helped to build a story that Madueke could have a negative influence. Within football circles there are a few figures that paint him as someone who is difficult to manage – and the fact that he is almost £ 50 million with fans, wonders if he is really worth the fuss.
But figures that are closer to him offer a very different perspective.
People who know Madueke from Chelsea claim that he is not the player who is publicly described. Others talk about him as friendly, funny and intelligent. In football terms he is also laser -oriented on improving himself.
Madueke has worked behind the scenes to tackle errors in his game and grow professionally.
Arsenal is known for their strict background controls and sources have described how they believe that public perception is exaggerated and that the player is misunderstood.
They do not believe that the negative online atmosphere will be mirrored at Emirates Stadium when it wears arsenal colors.
Madueke is also the victim of bad timing in terms of arsenal who prioritizes their move for him.
If he arrived in the window later, after more controversial signing sessions, there is a feeling that the reaction might be softer. The conversations keep going with other goals, including Ebereechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres. If such important arrivals are announced, Madueke gets a little more room to find his feet.
Although many expect him to become a squadron player, Madueke will be determined to show that he can be more.