Arsenal icon calls for explanation over Noni Madueke transfer amid fan petition

Sol Campbell feels Arsenal should explain the reasons behind their decision to sign Noni Madueke to fans, even though he thinks the Chelsea winger will be a quality addition to Mikel Arteta's squad.

The Gunners are on track to make Madueke, 23, their fourth summer signing after striking a deal worth £52million with their Premier League rivals. The winger has already agreed personal terms on a five-year contract after emerging as a priority target.

While Madueke will add depth and quality to Arsenal's attack, not everybody has been completely bowled over by the signing.

It emerged on Thursday that a small portion of fans had started a petition AGAINST the deal being done. And Campbell has stressed that Arsenal should explain how Madueke will fit into their system once a deal is done.

“I’ve seen him play, and he’s a very dynamic, keep-going kind of player that can cause problems when he gets into the final third,” Campbell told The Metro.

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“I think most people are probably thinking, 'Do we need him?'. He’s a quality player, but I think the club needs to explain why they’re getting certain players in and how it’s going to fit into our system.

“It’s important to explain that to the players and the fans.”

Arsenal's desire to strengthen their attack by signing a No 9 and a new left winger has sparked speculation over the future of Gabriel Martinelli.

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The Brazilian has been backed by Campbell, though, who thinks that he will thrive with added competition for his favoured role once Madueke puts pen to paper in the coming days.

“Martinelli has been great. He’s been amazing,” he added of the forward, who chalked up eight goals and four assists in the Premier League last season.

“He picked up at the back end of the last season. But you have to change it up. I think Arteta wants to put players quietly under pressure to see how they react.

“How will you respond to competition? If you’re a top player, you respond with concentration and quality. You put pressure on certain positions and certain players to get focus. That’s the focus you need to win something.”

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