Another summer, another Chelsea player packing his bags for the Emirates — and this time, it’s Noni Madueke.
If the rumors are right, Arsenal are about to shell out a hefty £52 million for the winger, and fans are not exactly thrilled.
In fact, they’re pretty split down the middle.
Some are excited about the 22-year-old’s potential, while others are already waving red flags.
#NoToMadueke: Fans Sound Off Online
The backlash started picking up steam as soon as the news broke.
On Wednesday, Arsenal supporters were quick to get the hashtag #NoToMadueke trending on social media.
And just a day later, a full-on petition popped up urging the club to rethink the move.
For many, this isn’t just about one player — it’s about a growing sense of déjà vu.
Chelsea to Arsenal: The Transfer Route That Keeps On Giving… or Taking?
This isn’t the first time the Gunners have gone shopping in west London.
In fact, since 2019, Arsenal have signed a player from Chelsea in six out of the last seven seasons, spending a total of £142 million along the way.
Just last week, they picked up Kepa Arrizabalaga for £5 million. Before that? Names like David Luiz, Willian, Jorginho, Kai Havertz, and Raheem Sterling filled the shopping cart.
If you go back even further, you’ll find a long line of high-profile switches: Ashley Cole, Olivier Giroud, and Cesc Fabregas.
Though Fabregas arrived via Barcelona, his heart was always at the Emirates — or so fans thought.
Ashley Cole: The Original Gut Punch
The rivalry really started heating up in 2006, when Ashley Cole crossed the London divide.
He left Arsenal, then one of Europe’s top clubs, for Chelsea.
In return, Arsenal got William Gallas and £5 million. Cole went on to become one of the best left-backs of his generation and helped Chelsea win the Champions League.
Arsenal fans are still bitter about that one.
One-Way Wins: Chelsea Usually Comes Out Ahead
Chelsea have generally done better in these exchanges.
Arsenal once brought in Yossi Benayoun on loan in 2011, who was solid but unspectacular.
Meanwhile, Chelsea poached Fabregas back to London — but this time to Stamford Bridge — and he helped them win the title in his very first season.
Then there was Petr Cech, who joined Arsenal in 2015.
A legend at Chelsea, yes, but well past his prime.
The Blues were already investing in Thibaut Courtois, while Arsenal were handed yesterday’s star.
Mixed Bag of Recent Transfers
Some of these recent moves haven’t exactly gone to plan for the Gunners.
Jorginho, signed in January 2023, has been one of the rare success stories.
His calming influence and leadership proved useful both on and off the pitch.
David Luiz had moments of brilliance and madness in equal measure during his two-year spell. But Willian? That move flopped hard.
Signed on a three-year deal, he lasted just one season and barely made a dent in the squad.
Kai Havertz, meanwhile, came in for over £65 million after a lukewarm stint at Chelsea.
Many questioned the move, but to be fair, Mikel Arteta has managed to squeeze value out of him.
Still, no one’s calling it a bargain.
Raheem Sterling’s short loan spell last season? That was a complete dud.
He started just seven league games and faded quickly from the conversation.
What About Madueke?
So here we are again. Madueke’s move feels like déjà vu, and his future at Arsenal is uncertain.
He prefers playing on the right wing — which, of course, is Bukayo Saka’s turf.
Unless he reinvents himself on the left, he’ll be competing with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, both established and trusted by Arteta.
There’s every chance Madueke will thrive in a new setup.
But if history repeats itself, Chelsea could be having the last laugh — all the way to the bank.
