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The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Humble Noni Madueke moving back in with parents as former Tottenham academy ace completes divisive £52m Arsenal transfer
NEVER has an Arsenal signing divided the fanbase quite so passionately. But for all the uproar, former 7 Noni Madueke has completed his big-money move to Arsenal from Chelsea Credit: Getty 7 Mikel Arteta saw the winger as a key target this summer Credit: Getty 7 Madueke is delighted to be back in north London Credit: Getty The Boss Mikel Arteta has long admired Madueke, 23, for his versatility off both wings, the dynamic dribbling style, the speed and bravery on the ball. There are still some people to convince. Over 5,000 fans signed the petition #NoToMadueke when talks between Arsenal and Not that it will dampen his excitement to be back where it all began in North London: born in Barnet, schooled in St Albans and at Spurs from 12 to 17. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Madueke said: 'It's great to go back home, be with my mum, my dad. I know mum misses me in the house! I'm really proud.' Many see it as a gamble and make-or-break moment — but Madueke is no stranger to that. It was bold to leave Spurs for Dutch side PSV Eindhoven as a teenager in June 2018 — rejecting Manchester United to test himself abroad and moving to the small town of Wintelre with his mother. And it is a calculated risk to join a title-chasing side that will prove tough to break in to under Arteta — a young coach under immense pressure to deliver amid a five-year trophy drought. Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS But Madueke said: 'I'm somebody who goes with my gut a lot and it's steered me in the right direction so far. 'So I don't think it's going to be any different here. Man Utd vs Arsenal fan battle: 'Odegaard's streets ahead of bottle job Fernandes' | Stoppage Time 7 Madueke will wear the No20 shirt at the Emirates Credit: Getty 7 He can't wait to get started under Arteta Credit: Getty 'I think it's going to be a great success and I'm really happy to be here. 'I can't wait to bring my style and help the boys to take that next step. 'I want to win all the competitions we are in — we're capable of doing that — and grow not only as a player but as a person.' Supporters may still be lukewarm over his arrival but Madueke has already felt the love from the Gunners' squad. Declan Rice sent his Three Lions pal a personalised letter to read upon signing. The winger continued: 'They all say amazing things about the club, how warm it is and how much of a family it is.' Despite his age, Madueke's experience for club and country stood out for Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta. After all, he already boasts 172 senior appearances for both PSV and Chelsea. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates 7 7 Madueke won the Conference League during his time at Chelsea His injury record was also a factor — playing 2,049 Prem minutes last term. He leads the top-flight stats charts in progressive carries and dribbles ending in shots on goal, too. It is why Arteta feels Madueke is 'one of the most talented wide forwards in the Premier League'. Crucially, the left-footer will also offer depth and competition for the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. And the Gunners new boy said: 'I try to be a dual threat from the left and right. 'I only have one thought in my mind when I get the ball — to line up the full-back and then go past him.' Fans' anger stems from the regularity at which the club have filled the pockets of Chelsea for their players over the years. Madueke is the seventh Blues star to arrive in six years, with last summer's failed loan of Raheem Sterling a particular sore point. It is perhaps helpful that Madueke will not be thrown in straight away, having been given a few weeks' rest after his Club World Cup efforts before joining up for training next month. And he added: 'I'm very excited to get to work. I'll go on holiday for a little bit now but I can't wait to get back and meet all the boys and train. 'I was saying it to all my friends walking around here, 'You don't even want to take the rest'. 'I know I have to for my body and stuff to heal but when I come back, I'll be raring to go.'
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri, 18, turns to England captain in different sport in bid to nail down Gunners starting spot
WHILE others have been on the beach this summer, Ethan Nwaneri has been keeping in shape with England Beach Soccer star Aaron Clarke. Gunners academy graduate future to the club amid interest from 7 Ethan Nwaneri has been put through the paces by England Beach Soccer player Aaron Clarke (far right) Credit: instagram @ethannwaneri & @aaronclark10 7 Arsenal star Nwaneri has been keeping in shape this summer Credit: instagram @ethannwaneri & @aaronclark10 7 The 18-year-old looked ripped as he trained in the summer heat Credit: instagram @ethannwaneri & @aaronclark10 After a breakthrough campaign last term, starting 16 games in all competitions and scoring nine goals, There is also the opportunity to force himself into next summer . That means he has not taken his foot off the pedal during this pre-season . Following a short break after helping Lee Carsley's England U21s win the Euros in Slovakia , Nwaneri was straight back to work with some warm-weather training alongside Clarke. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS Clarke, 34, has been an He combines that with representing England's Beach Soccer team and acting as an ambassador, making over 100 appearances for the side since March 2013. As of November 2024, he had scored 200 goals for the side. Clarke remains a key cog in Arsenal's youth development team, recently involved in a talent search program at the club after nurturing some of their most successful grads. Speaking in September 2023, Clarke explained: 'I have worked with the U9s and now I am working with the U16s, the guys who are turning professional. Most read in Football Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates 'I have watched some of the kids like Bukayo Saka and 'It allows me to make better decisions because I have seen them for 10 or 11 years. Christian Norgaard breaks down in tears after seeing young son in Arsenal kit for the first time 7 'Something I would have said back then, I have much better experience in telling the next generation of what I think is best.' Nwaneri – as well as Aston Villa's summer on Instagram via Electi Training, a high-performance programme for elite football players both in-season and off-season, ahead of joining up with Arsenal for their pre-season camp in Spain and then Singapore and Hong Kong. Clarke is a LifeChange personal trainer, educating clients on active and healthy lifestyles, as well as mental training to 'improve energy , confidence and positivity'. And in a video during some mid-season work with Clarke, Nwaneri was full of praise of his influence on his growth and development. 7 Nwaneri is close to signing fresh terms with MIkel Areta's Gunners Credit: Getty 7 The Emirates forward won the under-21 Euros with former interim England manager Lee Carsley last month Credit: Getty Nwaneri said: 'I want to improve. For example, my power which I have been working on, stretching and mobility as well. That definitely helps with injury prevention. 'The core exercises we do, that also tests the mind as well. You've got Aaron there who is always testing me and he gives you scenarios to help you. 'It gives you the edge on the pitch.' After playing academy football , Clarke was invited to a beach soccer trial in Bournemouth as a 20-year-old. After just six months, he earned his England debut. He has since played abroad for the likes of London . Clarke believes more players should train on sand, and hopes to persuade Arsenal's academy to integrate sand training into their curriculum. He said: 'The issue is the facilities in Arsenal are not going to travel one or two hours down to the coast, but now, the coaches are much more open to trying beach football . 'Especially with the younger ages, because they feel that it gives them a better football player. My next challenge is to find a facility to bring the kids there, and they would love it. 'The benefits are definitely there. Running on sand is much more demanding on the body, for rehab or for pre-season , and definitely improves their fitness levels and their physicality. 'Players who play beach football are technically better than football players. Going from sand to grass, it would make it a lot easier.' 7
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri, 18, turns to England captain in different sport in bid to nail down Gunners starting spot
His coach believes more players should train on SAND BEACH CLUB Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri, 18, turns to England captain in different sport in bid to nail down Gunners starting spot Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHILE others have been on the beach this summer, Ethan Nwaneri has been keeping in shape with England Beach Soccer star Aaron Clarke. Gunners academy graduate Nwaneri, 18, is close to signing a new bumper first-team contract as he commits his future to the club amid interest from Chelsea and other big European sides. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Ethan Nwaneri has been put through the paces by England Beach Soccer player Aaron Clarke (far right) Credit: instagram @ethannwaneri & @aaronclark10 7 Arsenal star Nwaneri has been keeping in shape this summer Credit: instagram @ethannwaneri & @aaronclark10 7 The 18-year-old looked ripped as he trained in the summer heat Credit: instagram @ethannwaneri & @aaronclark10 After a breakthrough campaign last term, starting 16 games in all competitions and scoring nine goals, England U21 midfielder Nwaneri views this upcoming season as a chance to fully cement himself in the long-term plans of boss Mikel Arteta. There is also the opportunity to force himself into England manager Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad next summer. That means he has not taken his foot off the pedal during this pre-season. Following a short break after helping Lee Carsley's England U21s win the Euros in Slovakia, Nwaneri was straight back to work with some warm-weather training alongside Clarke. Clarke, 34, has been an Arsenal academy coach since July 2011, which is where he developed a relationship with Nwaneri as he rose through the Hale End ranks from the age of nine. He combines that with representing England's Beach Soccer team and acting as an ambassador, making over 100 appearances for the side since March 2013. As of November 2024, he had scored 200 goals for the side. Clarke remains a key cog in Arsenal's youth development team, recently involved in a talent search program at the club after nurturing some of their most successful grads. Speaking in September 2023, Clarke explained: 'I have worked with the U9s and now I am working with the U16s, the guys who are turning professional. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates 'I have watched some of the kids like Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe go from nine and 10-year-olds into the first team. 'It allows me to make better decisions because I have seen them for 10 or 11 years. Christian Norgaard breaks down in tears after seeing young son in Arsenal kit for the first time 7 'Something I would have said back then, I have much better experience in telling the next generation of what I think is best.' Nwaneri – as well as Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey – was pictured alongside Clarke this summer on Instagram via Electi Training, a high-performance programme for elite football players both in-season and off-season, ahead of joining up with Arsenal for their pre-season camp in Spain and then Singapore and Hong Kong. Fulham centre back Calvin Bassey has also spent time with Electi Training and Clarke recently. Clarke is a LifeChange personal trainer, educating clients on active and healthy lifestyles, as well as mental training to 'improve energy, confidence and positivity'. And in a video during some mid-season work with Clarke, Nwaneri was full of praise of his influence on his growth and development. 7 Nwaneri is close to signing fresh terms with MIkel Areta's Gunners Credit: Getty 7 The Emirates forward won the under-21 Euros with former interim England manager Lee Carsley last month Credit: Getty Nwaneri said: 'I want to improve. For example, my power which I have been working on, stretching and mobility as well. That definitely helps with injury prevention. 'The core exercises we do, that also tests the mind as well. You've got Aaron there who is always testing me and he gives you scenarios to help you. 'It gives you the edge on the pitch.' After playing academy football, Clarke was invited to a beach soccer trial in Bournemouth as a 20-year-old. After just six months, he earned his England debut. He has since played abroad for the likes of Barcelona, Malaga and Valencia – having learned to play on sand on school sandpits and volleyball pitches in London. Clarke believes more players should train on sand, and hopes to persuade Arsenal's academy to integrate sand training into their curriculum. He said: 'The issue is the facilities in England. Arsenal are not going to travel one or two hours down to the coast, but now, the coaches are much more open to trying beach football. 'Especially with the younger ages, because they feel that it gives them a better football player. My next challenge is to find a facility to bring the kids there, and they would love it. 'The benefits are definitely there. Running on sand is much more demanding on the body, for rehab or for pre-season, and definitely improves their fitness levels and their physicality. 'Players who play beach football are technically better than football players. Going from sand to grass, it would make it a lot easier.'
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Arsenal look to have won race for Salford striker Will Wright after hijacking Liverpool's £100,000 transfer
ARSENAL look to have beaten a string of clubs to the signing of Salford City striker Will Wright. Liverpool have been favourites to sign the highly-rated teenager, who has already scored four times for Salford in pre-season. 2 Arsenal look to have beaten a string of clubs to the signing of Salford City striker Will Wright But Arsenal hope they have clinched the transfer with an offer of £250,000 plus major add-ons. Liverpool offered £100,000 plus add-ons for Wright who has made just four first-team appearances for the League Two club. But Salford manager Karl Robinson started Wright in a pre-season friendly against FC United of Manchester and struck twice in a 2-2 draw. Wright is unlikely to feature in Mikel Arteta's first-team and will go to the under-21s. READ MORE ON ARSENAL Meanwhile, Manchester City and Burnley were also looking to sign Wright. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates 2
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Arsenal look to have won race for Salford striker Will Wright after hijacking Liverpool's £100,000 transfer
NEW WRIGHTY Arsenal look to have won race for Salford striker Will Wright after hijacking Liverpool's £100,000 transfer Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ARSENAL look to have beaten a string of clubs to the signing of Salford City striker Will Wright. Liverpool have been favourites to sign the highly-rated teenager, who has already scored four times for Salford in pre-season. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Arsenal look to have beaten a string of clubs to the signing of Salford City striker Will Wright But Arsenal hope they have clinched the transfer with an offer of £250,000 plus major add-ons. Liverpool offered £100,000 plus add-ons for Wright who has made just four first-team appearances for the League Two club. But Salford manager Karl Robinson started Wright in a pre-season friendly against FC United of Manchester and struck twice in a 2-2 draw. Wright is unlikely to feature in Mikel Arteta's first-team and will go to the under-21s. READ MORE ON ARSENAL STAYING PUT Nwaneri, 18, agrees bumper new Arsenal deal amid Chelsea transfer interest Meanwhile, Manchester City and Burnley were also looking to sign Wright. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates
