Arsenal Coach Mikel Arteta Explains Signing So Many Players From EPL Rivals Chelsea
- Mikel Arteta has defended Arsenal’s transfer strategy after signing Noni Madueke, Kepa, and others from Chelsea
- Madueke became the sixth Blues player signed by the Gunners during Arteta’s tenure at the North London club
- Arteta insisted it was about quality, not club affiliation, as his team gears up for the beginning of the pre-season tour
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has responded to building criticism of his transfer strategies after the club completed two more high-profile signings from rivals Chelsea this summer.
Winger Noni Madueke, who joined the Gunners in a deal worth up to a reported £52 million, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, switched from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates Stadium.
Source: Getty Images
According to GOAL, Madueke is the sixth player to transfer from Chelsea under Arteta’s leadership and the 10th in the past decade, continuing a trend that has caught the attention of fans and pundits alike.
Arsenal supporters have shown mixed reactions to the latest transfer moves, with some excited by the young winger’s potential and others questioning the club's reliance on players from a direct rival.
Despite criticism, Arteta expressed confidence in the signings being important for the Gunners, doubling down on his belief that the quality of the player, not the club they come from, is what matters.
Arteta defends signing players from Chelsea
When asked directly by reporters why Arsenal have consistently targeted Chelsea players, Arteta offered a calm and measured response.
“Probably because they have some great players, and a lot of players, but we try to focus on the players we want to sign, regardless of the club they are in.”
The Spaniard dismissed the idea that the Gunners has intentionally raided their London rivals, describing the pattern as 'probably a coincidence'.
Source: Getty Images
According to The Standard, Arteta was quick to praise the depth and quality of Chelsea’s squad, indirectly acknowledging why several of their players fit into Arsenal’s project.
Previous transfers from the Blues to the Gunners under Arteta include Jorginho, Kai Havertz, and Willian, while Raheem Sterling also spent time on loan at the Emirates Stadium.
Each of these transfer moves has brought a blend of experience and potential to a growing Arsenal side that is looking to stay competitive both domestically and in Europe.
Arsenal set for pre-season kickoff
As the transfer buzz continues, Arsenal’s focus would now shift to the pitch, where he could silence doubters with some positive results on the field.
The Gunners kick off their Asia pre-season tour with a friendly against AC Milan on July 23, followed by clashes with Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur, per The Whistler.
Arteta remained confident that his summer signings, including the former Chelsea duo, would strengthen the squad ahead of a demanding campaign.
With a return to UEFA Champions League football and Premier League expectations higher than ever, his unusual recruitment strategy will soon be put to the test.
Chelsea oust four players from first team
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that amid the Arsenal player raid, Chelsea had made four players start training alone, while the rest of the FIFA Club World Cup-winning squad were on summer holidays.
Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, João Felix and Axel Disasi are reported to be leaving the club this summer after respective loan spells last season at Arsenal, Crystal Palace, AC Milan, and Aston Villa.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
