‘Better Than Madueke’ – Ferdinand Says Arsenal Missed Out on Kudus

Arsenal have made a crucial mistake after choosing to focus on signing Chelsea star Noni Madueke instead of attempting to beat Tottenham Hotspur to the acquisition of West Ham United talisman Mohammed Kudus, Premier League icon Anton Ferdinand has exclusively told GIVEMESPORT on the latest episode of our Market Madness podcast.

The Gunners have continued their spending spree by sealing the £15million arrival of Christian Norgaard from Brentford on Thursday, but boss Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta have also been aiming to bring in a fresh wide option as preparations are made for the upcoming campaign.

Ferdinand Claims Gunners Made Kudus Error

North Londoners focused on recruiting Madueke instead

Although Arsenal have upped the ante in their pursuit of Madueke by making contact with Chelsea after already agreeing personal terms with the winger on a proposed five-year contract, according to The Athletic, Ferdinand has insisted that Arteta should have prioritised attempting to sign Kudus.

The Ghana international is on his way to the Gunners’ arch-rivals – thanks to Tottenham negotiating a £55million deal – but the former West Ham, Sunderland and Queens Park Rangers defender is adamant that the wide forward would have made more of an impact at the Emirates Stadium than their primary target.

Speaking to Joel Beya and Ben Jacobs on the latest episode of GMS’ Market Madness podcast, Ferdinand was adamant that Arsenal have made an error by opting to proceed with negotiations for Madueke instead of gazumping Spurs in the race for Kudus, who has been described as ‘world-class’. He said:

Arsenal are planning to make an opening bid in the region of £45million for Madueke, despite Chelsea insisting it will take a similar fee to what Tottenham have agreed to land Kudus, but there is a strong relationship between the clubs and a proposal is expected to be submitted in the coming days.

GMS sources recently revealed that the Gunners are waiting to discover whether Rodrygo is willing to leave Real Madrid, following the La Liga giants’ decision to entertain offers, highlighting that Arteta is determined to secure additional creativity in the final third of the pitch ahead of another Premier League title push.

All statistics courtesy of Sofascore – correct as of 10/07/2025

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