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Chelsea star jokingly tells Noni Madueke to ‘protect your ankles’ after joining Arsenal, they’re now ‘enemies’

Giuseppe Labellarte

Sat 19 July 2025 21:45, UK

Arsenal have got another high-profile signing over the line as they announced Noni Madueke’s arrival this week.

Arsenal agreed a £52million deal with Chelsea for Madueke a few days ago, with the England international penning a five-year contract.

Arsenal unveiled Madueke on Friday afternoon, with Gunners manager Mikel Arteta deeming him an “exciting and powerful young player”.

Meanwhile, Madueke took to social media with his thoughts on the move, and plenty of his peers wished him well.

Indeed, one of his former teammates at Chelsea also joked that he would now need to protect his ankles when they lock horns in future games.

Wesley Fofana jokes that he and Noni Madueke are ‘enemies’ now

Noni Madueke expressed his gratitude at having joined Arsenal and said he can’t wait to get his “special” stint with the Gunners under way.

Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber, Morgan Rogers, Ian Maatsen and Ezri Konsa were just a few of the footballers who wished him well.

However, Wesley Fofana delivered the most eye-catching message.

He jokingly wrote: “See you on the field, protect your ankles, we are enemies now! All the best mon frère (my brother).”

Highbury legend Ian Wright also reacted to Arsenal’s signing of Madueke.

READ MORE: Myles Lewis-Skelly spotted with £55m La Liga star linked with Arsenal move this summer

Where Noni Madueke is expected to play for Arsenal

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey says he expects Madueke to largely be utilised on Arsenal’s right flank, as cover and competition for Bukayo Saka.

However, much depends on what happens on the left-hand side, with potential movement there over the coming weeks, and Madueke could play centrally too.

“He’s coming into the squad to essentially replace Raheem Sterling,” Bailey exclusively told TBR Football. “From what I understand, he’ll predominantly be used on the right.

“Obviously, it will also depend on what Arsenal do on the left-hand side – they’re still actively pursuing a deal for Eberechi Eze or Rodrygo, with the intention of letting Leandro Trossard go.

“So yes, there’s room for Madueke in the squad. He’s taking Sterling’s spot and, while he could play more centrally – as I’ve mentioned – that’s possible, but not guaranteed.

“Overall, I think he represents very good value for what he offers. I expect we’ll mainly see him on the right, although I could see him being used in other positions as well.”