'Exciting and powerful' - Mikel Arteta explains Arsenal's decision to sign Noni Madueke from Chelsea in £52m transfer as Gunners shirt number is revealed

Madueke has put pen to paper on a five-year deal at the Emirates Stadium in a transfer officially announced on Friday. He will compete for a spot out wide alongside the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Arsenal have also revealed the 23-year-old will wear the No. 20 shirt for the club.

Initial reports of a deal being agreed for England international Madueke were met with backlash from Gunners fans earlier this month, but Arteta has stuck by the transfer. He evidently believes the former PSV Eindhoven winger can have a key role to play in the Arsenal project as they aim to challenge on all fronts and win much-needed trophies for the club.

Arteta said: "We're all so happy to welcome Noni Madueke to the team. Noni is an exciting and powerful young player, with his performances and numbers in recent seasons being of consistently high quality. He is one of the most talented wide forward players in the Premier League.

“At just 23, Noni already brings experience of club and international football, and he knows the Premier League very well. Having seen the quality of Noni’s performances up close in recent seasons, we’re really excited he is joining us.

"Noni joins our group with familiar England teammates and other players he knows. He will be made to feel at home straight away. His arrival will really improve our squad - we’re all thrilled to have him here. From all of us, welcome Noni and welcome to your family.”

Having recently featured in Chelsea's Club World Cup campaign, Madueke will join up with Arsenal and get to know his new team-mates and staff in early August after the Gunners return from their pre-season tour of Asia.

Sporting director Andrea Berta echoed the sentiments of Arteta: "We’re very pleased to have concluded an excellent deal for a hugely talented young player in Noni Madueke. Noni’s performance numbers and availability over recent seasons have been exceptional, reflecting his quality and professionalism. Noni is a dynamic, versatile wide forward player with strong technical ability who will significantly strengthen our squad.

“Noni already has valuable experience at the top level and we know he will make a big impact at Arsenal. Together with everyone at the club, we warmly welcome Noni to Arsenal."