Arteta Turns Down Noni Madueke’s First Request at Arsenal
Arsenal are preparing for a busy pre-season campaign.
They’ll face Watford in a behind-closed-doors friendly this Saturday before flying out to Asia, where matches against Newcastle United, AC Milan, and Tottenham Hotspur await in Singapore and Hong Kong. The Gunners will then return to England for final tune-up games against Villarreal and Athletic Club before the new season kicks off.
Following his recent transfer, Noni Madueke was keen to cut his summer break short and link up with the squad for the pre-season tour. But according to The Athletic, Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal staff decided to decline that request.
Instead, the club has advised Madueke to rest and recharge, believing that recovery time now is crucial ahead of a long, demanding season. He’ll be working with one of Arsenal’s strength and conditioning coaches during his break and is expected to join the team in early August.
Did Arsenal Make the Right Call?
Every new signing wants to hit the ground running, and Madueke clearly hoped to make a quick impact. As someone expected to provide depth in wide areas, he’ll want to show Arteta he’s ready to compete for minutes as soon as possible.
But it’s also important to recognize that Madueke hasn’t had a proper break. He featured at the Club World Cup shortly after the season ended and then traveled straight to finalize his Arsenal move from the United States.
Asking him to jump straight into a demanding pre-season tour could’ve increased the risk of fatigue or injury. Giving him time to recover is the smart move—and Arteta’s decision reflects a long-term view of player fitness and performance.
