Noni Madueke’s coach reveals why he should start for Arsenal

The development coach of Arsenal’s new £52m signing, Noni Madueke, is confident the versatile winger will be a guaranteed starter rather than squad rotation player.

Noni Madueke’s development coach has backed the England international to establish himself as a first-team regular at Arsenal following his high-profile move from Chelsea. The 23-year-old completed his switch to the Emirates Stadium in July for an initial £48.5m plus £3.5m in add-ons, making him Arsenal’s fourth major signing of the summer transfer window.

Saul Isaksson-Hurst, who has worked closely with Madueke throughout his development, believes the winger’s versatility will be crucial to his success under Mikel Arteta. Isaksson-Hurst is a former academy coach at the Gunners, and has also worked personally with the likes of Antoine Semenyo and Max Aarons, as well as Hale End graduates Brooke Norton-Cuffy, Tyreece John-Jules, Reuell Walters, and Folarin Balogun.

Speaking to Hayters TV, the coach explained that Madueke’s ability to operate effectively on both flanks sets him apart from Arsenal’s current options.

“Noni is good because one of his main appeals is he can play in different positions,” the coach revealed. “He’s probably one of England’s best players. I can’t see him going to Arsenal and being backup for Bukayo Saka, it’s not realistic in terms of the player Noni is and also the money Arsenal spent on him.”

The north London-born was the Chelsea’s third highest scorer in the league last campaign, recording seven goals and five assists in 32 appearances. His standout performance came in August when he scored his first senior hat-trick in a 6-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Madueke’s international credentials have also flourished recently. The winger earned his England senior debut in September 2024 against Finland, coming on as a substitute for Bukayo Saka and providing an assist for Harry Kane’s goal. He has since accumulated seven caps for the Three Lions.

Isaksson-Hurst highlighted Madueke’s unique attributes that set him apart from Arsenal’s current options, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard: “For me he’s a starter, and it’s interesting because Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are very good players with some different assets.

He continued, “Martinelli is a good transition player, but maybe not so good when teams are in a low block, and Trossard is really good in one-v-ones but maybe can’t run beyond. Noni actually gives you both of those assets. He’s so good at ball carrying, he can move a distance at speed with the ball on the counter, but also breaking down one-v-ones and one-v-twos as well.”

The coach expects Madueke to primarily feature on the left wing, where he has played under Thomas Tuchel at an international level, but also expects the 23 year-old to rotate with his fellow Englishman, Saka.

Despite reportedly being keen to join the squad in the Asia pre-season tour, he was told to take a holiday after his Club World Cup campaign with Arsenal’s London rivals.

Madueke was expected back in Arsenal training today, and will be available for the first time in red and white as the Gunners host Villarreal for a pre-season friendly on Wednesday.