Declan Rice is expecting big things from Noni Madueke at Arsenal and feels the summer signing from Chelsea is going to ‘shock a lot of people’ with the Gunners.
The England international has made the move across London in a £52m deal, expected to provide back-up for Bukayo Saka on the right wing and possibly competition for Gabriel Martinelli on the left.
The 23-year-old was not a guaranteed starter at Chelsea and some Gunners fans have questioned the big-money move for a player who remains somewhat unproven at the top level.
However, Rice likes what he has seen from Madueke as an opponent, an England teammate and now he has joined Arsenal, predicting that he will shine for his new club.
‘I know how driven he is,’ Rice said of Madueke, via the BBC. ‘I’ve spoken to him and you’re going to see what he’s about this season. He wants to prove and show everyone what he really can do.
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‘He’s hungry, he wants to play for Arsenal and that’s the type of players we want. It’s so positive.
‘He’s going to shock a lot of people and I can’t wait for him to come.
‘People have been speaking internally – the players, the staff. We know the player that we’re getting and we’re really looking forward to having him at our club. It’s going to be really exciting.’
The former PSV star is known for his direct style of play, which Rice is excited for him to bring to Mikel Arteta’s side.
‘When you’re an attacking player and in your mind the first thought you have is to go past your defender, that’s an unbelievable trait to have,’ said the midfielder.
‘He’s going to bring that to the squad along with the other wingers we have.’
Arsenal fans have got to wait to see their new arrival in action as he has been given a break after playing for Chelsea at the Club World Cup.
He was not involved as the Gunners beat AC Milan on Wednesday in a pre-season friendly in Singapore.
Saka scored the only goal of the game, while other new signings Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga were involved.
Speaking about his move to Arsenal, Madueke said: ‘I’m somebody who goes with my gut feeling a lot of the time and I feel like it’s steered me in the right direction so far. So, I don’t think it’s going to be any different here. I think it’s going to be a great success and I’m really happy to be here.
‘I’ve just been relaxed, waiting for the green light and when I came in today, it all felt real. I’m really happy and really proud, so it’s a great moment for me. It’s great to go back home, be with my mum, my dad. I know my mum misses me in the house!
‘It’s already a great team with a clear identity and I can’t wait to bring my style to the team and try and help the boys as much as possible to take that next step.’