Noni Madueke has officially joined Arsenal in preparation for the new season following the end of his summer holiday.

The English winger completed a €48 million move to the North London club from Chelsea last month but left to observe his break, having taken part in Chelsea's Club World Cup triumph in the United States.

His arrival at Arsenal caused a significant stir within the fanbase, with several Gunners objecting to the signing, while some remained objective, and others welcomed it.

His role in the team was a subject of debate, as it was widely viewed from the outside as backup for Bukayo Saka, who is considered to be overplayed; his absence due to injury last season heavily impacted the team.

But as the new season draws near and the curtain falls on preseason games, a big question arises ahead of Madueke's Arsenal debut on Wednesday: Will he start for the club, and what does his inclusion mean for Arsenal’s remaining transfer plans this summer?

Will Noni Madueke Start at Arsenal?

With Bukayo Saka locked on the right, Arsenal’s left flank has become the battleground between Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and now Noni Madueke, who will also provide cover for the inevitable Saka rotation.

Speaking on the topic, Noni Madueke's development coach, Saul Isaksson-Hurst, said in a recent interview with MyFootballCoach: 

“I can’t see him [Madueke] going to Arsenal and being a back‑up to Saka, it’s not realistic as a top player, Noni is a first‑rate player. I see him playing on the left, playing on the right sometimes if Saka rotates. For me, he’s a starter in that team.”

Madueke is a direct winger with a knack for taking on players. He offers qualities Arsenal’s left side already possesses in both Martinelli and Trossard, but combined. And yes, he has played and thrived on the left.

While Martinelli thrives on explosive runs behind the defence, and Trossard excels in linking midfield with attack, Madueke brings an added layer of unpredictability and control in one-on-one scenarios.

He consistently completes more dribbles per 90 minutes than both Martinelli and Trossard, and his ability to create inswinging angles from the left with his stronger foot introduces a new dimension, one that could prove especially effective with Gyökeres now in the mix.

Tactically, deploying a left-footed winger on the left breaks Arsenal’s recent pattern of inverted forwards. Yet, it allows for more natural crosses into the box, particularly useful with more physical strikers now available.

"Noni actually gives you both of those assets. He’s so good at ball carrying, he can move at speed with the ball but also break down in 1v1s and 1v2s as well, he’s top. For me, I’d be surprised if he’s not starting on the left." Said Isaksson-Hurst.

Madueke also carries the ball progressively from deeper zones, something Martinelli often attempts but with less composure in the final third, while Trossard rarely engages in such sequences.

The challenge, however, lies in structure. Arteta’s system depends on wide players maintaining width and timing their involvement. Madueke’s tendency to over-carry the ball could slow transitions, an area where Martinelli rarely falters.

Trossard, meanwhile, offers superior combination play in tight spaces, an Arteta hallmark. Still, if the objective is to stretch defences and unlock low blocks with directness and flair, Madueke holds the advantage.

His metrics in successful take-ons, progressive carries, and attacking duels suggest a winger well-suited for high-possession setups.

In a team that needs more variation and natural width on the left, Madueke presents the boldest tactical evolution. If Arteta is looking to add freshness to that side, he may well be the one to start.

Madueke, just like Martinelli, contributes defensively, and with both of Arsenal’s main left-wingers enduring a poor campaign last season, the opportunity could be ripe for the newcomer if he can hit the ground running in North London.

However, in terms of productivity, both Trossard (15) and Gabriel Martinelli (12) contributed to more league goals last season than the former Chelsea man (10). His 15 goal contributions across all competitions tie with Martinelli but fall four short of Trossard’s 19.

Currently in the pecking order, although he has been very frustrating, Gabriel Martinelli stepping up his game slightly would put him ahead of Madueke as the more natural option. But it is Trossard who would likely have to make way.

If the Belgian remains at the club beyond the summer, his game time will become even more limited with the arrival of Madueke. While Martinelli welcomes the competition, he will need to rediscover his 2022–23 form to keep Madueke out of the starting XI.

Being a new arrival who has cost the club a considerable fee—and with the wave of negative energy that initially greeted his signing—Mikel Arteta will likely want to allow Madueke to convince, and perhaps earn a starting spot, whether to prove himself right or to silence the critics.

It is expected to be a fierce competition on that flank—one that will demand every contender be at the top of their game or risk sliding down the pecking order. Not forgetting that Gabriel Jesus, should he remain at the club this window, will also be in contention.

But the 23-year-old is also known for inconsistency, which makes this position a tight competition among the three, especially with Madueke also carrying the secondary duty of relieving Bukayo Saka.

What Does Noni Madueke's Starting Mean for Arsenal's Transfers?

If Noni Madueke is considered a starter at Arsenal, it would all but end any remaining ambition to sign an attacker this summer.

The club has been linked with a move for Eberechi Eze, who can operate as a left-winger or a No. 10. However, Madueke is starting blocks that transfer, with Ethan Nwaneri set to be a full-time understudy to Martin Ødegaard, while Max Dowman is also pushing for minutes.

The left-wing caused Arsenal all sorts of frustration last season, and if Madueke can displace both Martinelli and Trossard, the Gunners will be thrilled, and the doubters of the former PSV winger will be silenced.

It could also spell the end for Leandro Trossard at the club, with his unresolved contract situation already making him a subject of transfer speculation from clubs in Turkey and Germany.