Arteta says no to Madueke's first request

Noni Madueke became Arsenal's new signing, but he immediately received the first shake of the head from coach Mikel Arteta.

Coach Arteta does not want Madueke to be physically exhausted.

Madueke is not a popular name with fans, but coach Mikel Arteta himself asked Arsenal's board to recruit him from Chelsea. The English winger signed a long-term contract, costing the Gunners £52 million.

Madueke is keen to start fresh at the Emirates, but his first request to the club was rejected, The Athletic reports. Madueke wanted to cut short his holiday to join the squad on their tour of Asia, but the coaching staff wanted him to take a two-week break.

Despite his desire to impress early on in order to earn points with Arteta, Madueke is said to have played consistently from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup to the time the transfer was completed. He had only just returned from the United States to sign for Arsenal.

For fitness and injury prevention, the coaching staff decided to let Madueke stay in London to rest, under the close supervision of the club's fitness team. He will officially join the team in early August.

Arsenal have a busy pre-season schedule. They travel to Asia to face Newcastle, AC Milan and Tottenham in Singapore and Hong Kong, followed by games against Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao in England, before the start of the new season.

With a tight schedule in the 2025/26 season, Arteta's decision is considered completely reasonable, prioritizing careful preparation and ensuring the 23-year-old rookie's physical condition on the long journey ahead.

Source: https://znews.vn/arteta-noi-khong-voi-yeu-cau-dau-tien-cua-madueke-post1570592.html