Arsenal legend Paul Merson has brutally claimed that Noni Madueke is the ‘last’ player the club should have signed from Chelsea.

The former forward also believes the move raises concerns about Bukayo Saka’s future at the Emirates.

Merson’s scathing critique of Arsenal’s latest signing adds to growing discontent over the £52million deal.

Madueke, aged 23, is set to don the number 20 jersey and will join his new squad in early August, following his participation in Chelsea’s triumphant Club World Cup run.

Following his arrival, Arteta said: ‘We’re all so happy to welcome Noni Madueke to the team.

Noni Madueke completed a £52million move to Arsenal to become their fourth summer signing

The England international has been handed the number 20 shirt after his move was confirmed

Madueke joined Chelsea from PSV in January 2023 and went on to play 92 games for the Blues

“Noni is an electrifying and robust young athlete, consistently delivering high-caliber performances in recent seasons. He stands out as one of the Premier League’s most gifted wide forwards.”

However, a portion of the Arsenal supporters have reacted with skepticism to his transfer, with over 5,200 individuals signing a #NoToMadueke petition opposing the move.

Merson, who captained Arsenal but is a Chelsea supporter, has added to that doubt.

‘I am flabbergasted by Arsenal signing Noni Madueke,’ the 57-year-old wrote in his Sky Sports column.

‘Chelsea just won’t believe that this deal has come to them. They won’t believe their luck.’ 

He added: ‘I’m shocked. If Arsenal went and bought any player from Chelsea, he’d have been the last one I thought they’d sign.

Merson also claimed he would have played Manchester United outcast Jadon Sancho over the 23-year-old at Chelsea.

He is also fearful that his move signals an impending departure for key man Saka. 

Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes that Madueke’s move could pave a move for Bukayo Saka

Paul Merson said that Noni Madueke would be the last Chelsea player he would have signed

The winger is the seventh player to have joined Arsenal from Chelsea under Mikel Arteta

‘Are they getting this deal done and then all of a sudden it allows a potential sale of Saka or someone else,’ Merson wrote.

‘If fit, he plays. So why do you spend £52m on a backup for him?’ 

Madueke, who made his England debut last year, is no stranger to critics.

He even thanked Chelsea fans for their criticism in his emotional goodbye message to the club.

He wrote: ‘Dear Chelsea Football Club, I want to thank you for the last 3 or so years. To every staff member that helped me along this journey, thank you. To my team-mates thank you for everything, I leave with only love and admiration for you guys. We achieved so much this season and I honestly wish you guys nothing but the best.

‘To Enzo Maresca, it was a privilege to play under you, thank you for trying to better me as a player and as a person. Lastly, thank you to every single Chelsea fan. Thank you for the love, the praise and also the criticism, I appreciate it all. I leave here with nothing but fond memories.

‘Love NM11.’

Meanwhile, United legend Rio Ferdinand leapt to his defence last week, accusing ‘vulgar’ Arsenal fans of ‘utterly disgraceful behaviour against Madueke by protesting his arrival at the club.

Saka last signed a contract at Arsenal in 2022 but there is no indication he is leaving

Noni Madueke will link up with team-mates next month, having featured in the Club World Cup  

‘Just put yourself in his shoes for one minute just put yourself in his parents shoes for one minute and just think of how that feeling must be,’ he wrote.

Madueke joined Chelsea from PSV in January 2023 and went on to play 92 games for the Blues, while he scored 20 goals and provided nine assists.

He won the Conference League with Chelsea last season and also featured in their successful Club World Cup campaign although he wasn’t involved in the final as he neared his move to Arsenal.