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Noni Madueke’s move to the Emirates Stadium, finalized last week, sparked a polarized response among Arsenal fans. The signing, part of a busy transfer window that also saw Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga join the club, was met with skepticism by some who questioned the £48.5 million fee for a player perceived as inconsistent during his Chelsea tenure. Social media platforms, particularly X, saw the hashtag #NoToMadueke trend, while a petition opposing the transfer garnered over 5,000 signatures. Murals outside the Emirates were even vandalized with “Arteta out” graffiti, reflecting frustration from a vocal minority who favored high-profile targets like Real Madrid’s Rodrygo or Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has passionately defended the club’s new signing Noni Madueke, urging fans to rally behind the 23-year-old winger and predicting he will “shock a lot of people” with his talent in the upcoming Premier League season. Speaking after Arsenal’s 1-0 pre-season victory over AC Milan in Singapore on Thursday, July 24. Rice expressed dismay at the negative online reaction from some Gunners supporters following Madueke’s deal.
The England international’support, underscores the squad’s belief in the winger’s potential to transform Arsenal’s attacking fortunes. “There’s been a lot of talk around his signing, I didn’t like it, if I’m speaking honestly,” Rice told reporters in Singapore. “I’ve spoken to him, and you’re going to see what he’s about this season. He’s so driven. He wants to prove and show everyone what he can do. There’s a hunger inside his belly,” he added.
Declan Rice wrote a letter to Noni Madueke welcoming him to Arsenal
Declan Rice’s support for Noni Madueke has appeared to be something that extends beyond words. In a touching gesture, he penned a heartfelt letter to welcome the winger to Arsenal, a moment captured in a video shared on the club’s social media. “Welcome to the Arsenal family, Noni, my brother,” Rice wrote. Madueke, visibly moved, responded, “Appreciate you, bro, thanks.” As Arsenal prepare for a title push, Rice’s defense of Madueke signals a unified squad ready to embrace new challenges. With a pre-season tour featuring matches against Newcastle and Tottenham ahead, Madueke has a chance to silence critics.
Reportedly, the backlash against Madueke may stem from Arsenal’s mixed history with Chelsea signings, with players like David Luiz and Willian failing to impress, though Kai Havertz and Jorginho have thrived under Mikel Arteta. Madueke, who scored 20 goals in 92 appearances for Chelsea, including 11 goals and five assists in the 2024-25 season, is seen as a solution to Arsenal’s struggles against teams that defend deep.
