Mikel Arteta simply has not listened to what Arsenal fans moaned about in 2023, still happening now

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A strange theme is emerging when it comes to Mikel Arteta and recruitment at Arsenal.

Since replacing Unai Emery in December 2019, the Spaniard has often signed players from Chelsea who the Blues are happy to part ways with.

Firstly, Arsenal snapped up David Luiz from Chelsea in an £8m deal back in August 2019 once the Blues decided he was surplus to requirements – although that deal admittedly happened before Arteta arrived.

However, the Gunners then signed Willian 12 months later in August 2020 after Chelsea released the Brazilian, a move which failed miserably – he scored just once in 37 games for the north Londoners.

Jorginho then swapped Chelsea for Arsenal in January 2023.

Another followed in June 2023 when Arsenal spent £65m to sign Kai Havertz – a deal fans were largely unhappy about – and with more arrivals from Chelsea still happening this summer, it is quite clear Mikel Arteta has ignored these complaints.

What Arsenal fans said when Kai Havertz arrived in 2023 as Mikel Arteta targets more deadwood from Chelsea

So far this summer, Arsenal have handed Chelsea £5m for Kepa Arrizabalaga, with the Spain international becoming the fifth player to swap west London for north London since 2019.

Arteta is now attempting to make it six, as Arsenal bid £50m for Noni Madueke, a player who has mostly struggled for consistency at Chelsea with 20 goals in 92 appearances.

If fans were unhappy about Havertz arriving in 2023 – with one supporter even urging Arsenal to “stop buying leftovers” – we can only presume they remain dissatisfied as more unwanted players join from Chelsea.

Another fan even ordered Arsenal to get a “REFUND” – all in capital letters to emphasise their anger – when Havertz joined.

The Germany international actually scored the goal to win Chelsea the UEFA Champions League in 2021 and largely did well for the Blues, so if this is how fans reacted to his arrival, we can only imagine how annoyed they are at the Madueke news.

Others admitted they were “not a fan” of the deal with Chelsea, with a fourth supporter simply posting three angry face emojis.

Clearly, fans were getting frustrated about Arsenal taking deadwood from Chelsea over two years ago now, so it is quite concerning to see that the trend is still alive and kicking even in the summer of 2025.

Mikel Arteta is risking a severe backlash by pursuing Noni Madueke

We can understand a move for Madueke were it to come on transfer deadline day, when all other options had evaporated, but to make the England international a primary target ahead of others is baffling.

Arsenal are admirers of Rodrygo – who is likely to leave Real Madrid after the FIFA Club World Cup ends on Sunday – while the Gunners are also interested in Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace.

Both of these players would represent more exciting additions than Madueke, and wouldn’t cost much more either.

Rodrygo is said to be valued at around £70m, whereas Eze has a £68m release clause, and Chelsea are understood to want £55m for Madueke.

Therefore, it makes little sense to pursue the Chelsea No.11 first when other talented attackers are on the market.