Retired Chelsea player says 'sideways move' to Arsenal for Noni Madueke could go well

Noni Madueke could thrive at Arsenal, according to Pat Nevin.

Madueke joined the Gunners last month from Chelsea in a transfer that could be worth £52 million, and while Nevin believes it is a "sideways move" in terms of clubs, it may be just what the 23-year-old needs after three seasons at Stamford Bridge.

“It’s a sideways move for Noni Madueke, it's not a step up, it's not a step down, it's a sort of sideways move, which is fine, it’s great," Nevin told Compare.bet.

“I don't like using too many Americanisms, but that's the Chelsea method and you have to understand it. So if you go and watch the way it works in the American game, American football or baseball, that's just the deal. They do it and they try to make it work. They're much more comfortable than we are.

“We're beholden to it and heartbroken when our favourite players go. It's kind of not like that really. And I don't think Americans see it that way. I don't think Chelsea see Noni Madueke as an average player or a poor player. He's an England international. He's a young player who's getting better all the time. I think it's a great move for him.

“From Chelsea's point of view, they'll get a load of money, right? That's great. So they'll make a profit. Great, that's what they like doing. They've got other players, they've got Jamie Gittens, they've got Pedro Neto. They're okay, they're fine, they're all right. So it's not a panic for Chelsea."

As for Madueke's new club, Nevin thinks the seven-times capped England international could provide valuable competition out wide for an Arsenal side that struggled to create goals at times last season.

“Arsenal, they need something else," Nevin said. "Bukayo Saka, one side, fabulous. Are you dangerous down the other side with Gabriel Martinelli etc? I'm not saying Martinelli's not a great player, he’s a good player, but he's not Saka.

“So what you'd like is the same danger coming down the left as you've got coming down the right, if you're Arsenal. And because Martin Odegaard fades to the right a lot of the time and works with Saka, you need to have a bit more on the left. You need to have balance, you need to stretch the opposition a little bit. And you need to get the ball into the centre forward, if they ever get a centre forward.

“Madueke is perfectly comfortable left or right. I remember when I played wide, I couldn't care less. Left or right, no difference whatsoever, none at all. I always find it quite surprising when players say, ‘I'm on the right only.’ What? You're a footballer, do both or even 10.

“Madueke is going to do well for Arsenal. I think it's a good decision if you get him. You’ve got Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres, they're looking good. Arsenal are looking good and I think Madueke could be a big part of it.”