Paul Merson Questions Arsenal's Signing of Noni Madueke Amid Saka Speculation

Sky Sports analyst Paul Merson has voiced his surprise at Arsenal's decision to sign Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, hinting that the move could be linked to potential uncertainty surrounding Bukayo Saka's future at the club.

In his latest column, Merson described himself as "flabbergasted" by the deal, questioning the logic behind Arsenal's £52 million acquisition of Madueke. "If Arsenal were to sign any player from Chelsea, he would have been the last one I expected," Merson stated. He further raised concerns about whether the Gunners are preparing for a scenario where Saka might depart.

Madueke, known for his ability to cut inside from the right flank, occupies a position already dominated by Saka, who is a cornerstone of Arsenal's starting XI. Merson pointed out that spending such a substantial sum on a backup player seems unusual, especially with young talents like Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman emerging from the academy. "Unless they don't fancy Nwaneri, this move doesn't make sense to me," he added.

The former Arsenal midfielder also speculated whether the deal could be a precursor to Saka's exit. "Is there another reason behind this signing? Are there concerns about Saka's future? Could this pave the way for his potential sale?" Merson questioned. He emphasized Saka's importance to the team, stating, "When Saka doesn't play, Arsenal are not the same team. The players around him struggle without his presence."

Merson also compared Madueke unfavorably to other potential targets, such as Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, whom he believes would have been a better fit for the Gunners. "Eze has the X-factor and the ability to break down defensive teams, which is something Arsenal often struggle with," he explained.

While Merson acknowledged Arsenal's solid transfer business this summer, including the signings of Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres, he remains skeptical about Madueke's impact. "He’s not a prolific goalscorer and lacks consistency. I hope he proves me wrong, but I’m not convinced," he concluded.

As Arsenal fans await further developments, the signing of Madueke has sparked debate about the club's long-term plans and the future of their star winger, Bukayo Saka.