Arsenal's feeder club?! Mikel Arteta opens up on Gunners' bizarre transfer relationship with Chelsea as £52m Noni Madueke becomes latest to cross divide

Arsenal splashed £52 million (€60m/$69.9m) to bring in Madueke from Chelsea this summer as Arteta looks to bolster the team's attack ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. The Gunners have been on the lookout for a new winger this transfer window and were first linked with Madueke towards the end of June.

Now the Spanish coach has explained his decision to bring two players from their rivals this summer. Before Madueke and Arrizabalaga's arrivals, players like Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz, Jorginho and Willian had also arrived at Emirates Stadium from Stamford Bridge in the Arteta era.

Speaking to reporters, the Gunners boss said: "Probably because they have some great players, and a lot of players. We try to focus on the players we want to sign regardless of the club. With Noni, very excited. He needs a break now but he will be with us soon showing what he is going to bring to the team."

The English side will play their first pre-season friendly of their Asia tour on Wednesday as they take on Serie A giants AC Milan. After that, they have games against domestic rivals Newcastle and Tottenham.