Arsenal coach Arteta rejects new player Maduaike s first request

Arteta rejected Maduaike's first request

Maduaike officially joined Arsenal, becoming an important signing for the team this summer. However, he had just put on the Gunners' gown, but he had the first "rejection" from head coach Arteta.

Although Maduaike commented on the polarities among fans, he was still the target of coach Arteta personally named and asked for introduction. The England winger has moved from Chelsea and signed a long-term contract with Arsenal with a transfer fee of £52 million.

Maduaike himself is full of expectations and enthusiasm for joining the Emirates Stadium. However, according to The Athletic, he asked the club to end the holiday early and went to Asia to participate in the preseason tour, but was rejected by the coaching staff.

Continuous battles require rest. Arteta is cautious in protecting new players

Maduaike had just ended the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea, and then participated in many events such as the Premier League and the Champions League. Before the transfer was completed, he also played in many key games for the Blues. He returned to London from the United States just a few days before completing the Arsenal signing.

Considering the player's physical condition and avoiding the risk of injury caused by fatigue, the coaching staff decided to stay in London for full recovery, and the club's physical coaching team was specially cared for. Maduaike is expected to officially return to the team in early August and start training with the entire team.

Arsenal's preseason schedule this summer is very compact. The team will go to Asia, facing Newcastle, AC Milan and Tottenham (in Singapore and Hong Kong respectively), and then return to the UK to face Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao. The new season of the Premier League will also kick off soon.

With the 2025/26 season schedule and fierce competition, Arteta's decision is generally regarded as a rational move by the outside world. He hopes Maduaike will be able to meet the new season at its best, rather than getting tired in preseason.

Although Maduaike's first request was rejected, this precisely reflects Arteta's attention and protection of the players. If the 23-year-old winger can play in the best form in the new season, he is expected to occupy an important position in Arteta's tactical system.