Arsenal are edging closer to the Premier League title and could take another step with a win over relegation-threatened West Ham today. The Gunners have enjoyed a successful couple of weeks, reaching the Champions League final and going on a four-game unbeaten run across all competitions.
£50m Man Explains Transfer
Noni Madueke swapped Chelsea for Arsenal for one simple reason; he believed the Gunners are closer to silverware. The Blues signed the England international for a fee of around £29million in 2023 and had high hopes for the winger. However, he decided to switch loyalties last summer and joined Arsenal for a fee of £48.5m, rising to in excess of £50m with add-ons. When asked his reasoning for crossing the city rivalry, Madueke told Sky Sports that trophies were calling him.
He said: "I just believed that we were going to win. I believed we were going to win trophies. That's why I moved." Adding who made the transition easier from red to blue, Madueke added: "All the England boys for sure. I was already close with them so it was great. And then the whole club really, everyone in and around the club. It's an easy club to settle into you know, it's full of good people and people that want to work hard and achieve something." Since joining, the winger has made 11 goal contributions in 40 appearances and will aim to help the Gunners over the line both domestically and in Europe.
Mikel Arteta Responds to Wayne Rooney
Mikel Arteta has indirectly hit back at Wayne Rooney after he criticised Arsenal's Champions League celebrations. The Gunners beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate to reach their first European final since 2019, with both fans and players lapping up the moment with a standing ovation and plenty of chanting from both sides. This didn't go down well with the former Manchester United man, who was extremely successful across his Premier League career. Speaking on Amazon Prime, Rooney slammed the over-exuberant reactions from the squad as he said: "They deserve to be in this position, but they haven't won it yet. I think the celebrations are a little bit too much. Celebrate when you win."
When asked about Rooney's comments, Arteta insisted he had no idea that the team were being criticised - but believes that the words are unimportant. He said: "First of all, I didn't know about it but I don't know. I think you have to respect every opinion and place them where they belong." When pressed further on where exactly those opinions should go, Arteta remained coy. He added: "Where they belong. I don't know, that's not important." Arsenal's focus will turn to the Premier League with West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace left on their calendar before their clash with Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest.
