Noni Madueke Reveals He Spoke With Saka, Rice & Timber Before Arsenal Move: “They Said It Feels Like Family”

Freshly unveiled as Arsenal’s newest signing, Noni Madueke has opened up about the conversations that helped shape his decision to swap Stamford Bridge for the Emirates.

The 23-year-old winger, who officially joined from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £52 million, admitted he spoke with four current Arsenal players before sealing the move — including Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Jurrien Timber, his former teammate at PSV.

🗣️ “I’ve spoken to Declan Rice, Myles, Bukayo, even Jurrien as well. And they all say amazing things about the club and the culture here — how warm it is and how much of a family it is,” Madueke revealed.

👕 Madueke to Wear No. 20 Shirt

Arsenal have confirmed that Madueke will take the number 20 shirt for the 2025/26 season — a fresh chapter and possibly a new weapon in Arteta’s attacking arsenal.

🧠 Opinion: Friends First, Teammates Next — Arsenal’s Culture Is Winning

Madueke’s comments reflect something powerful that fans and critics alike are starting to acknowledge — **Arsenal’s biggest strength under Mikel Arteta might not just be their tactics or transfers, but their culture.

Players talk, and when stars like Rice and Saka describe the club as “a family”, it says a lot. That sense of unity is clearly a pulling factor, and it’s helping Arsenal win not just matches, but hearts — and key signings.

Madueke may have come from a rival, but with familiar faces around and a welcoming atmosphere, he’s already sounding like one of the Gunners.

📣 Excited to see Madueke in red & white? Do you think his England connection will help him settle quickly?
Drop your thoughts below! 👇🏽

#NoniMaduekeJoins #ArsenalSquadGoals #NewEraAtArsenal #GunnersTogether #TeamChemistry #MaduekeNo20 #FromBlueToRed