Arsenal have officially signed winger Noni Madueke from Chelsea in a £52 million deal, marking their fourth acquisition of the summer transfer window. The 23-year-old agreed to a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium, with the move confirmed on Friday following completion of formalities.
Madueke, who recently featured for Chelsea at the Club World Cup, returned to England last week to finalize his transfer. Now back in his hometown of Barnet, the forward is eager to make an immediate impact and help the Gunners reclaim silverware after a five-year barren spell.
We're Capable of Winning Everything
In his first interview as an Arsenal player, Madueke set bold intentions for the season ahead.
To win all the competitions we're in. I feel like we're definitely capable of doing that, he told Arsenal’s official website.
Arsenal’s last major trophy came in 2020 when Mikel Arteta led the team to FA Cup glory in his debut season. Madueke hopes to contribute to a resurgence under Arteta’s guidance.
Homecoming inspired by instinct
The England international also opened up about his reasons for leaving Chelsea and returning to North London.
I'm somebody who goes with my gut feeling a lot of the time and I feel like it's steered me in the right direction so far, he said. So, I don't think it's going to be any different here. I think it's going to be a great success and I'm really happy to be here.
Madueke added,
It's great to go back home, be with my mum, my dad. I know my mum misses me in the house.
Fan backlash and Rio Ferdinand’s support
Despite the club’s confidence in the signing, sections of Arsenal’s fanbase expressed strong disapproval. A petition titled #NOTOMADUEKE garnered over 5,000 signatures opposing the move before it was confirmed.
Pundit Rio Ferdinand condemned the backlash in a passionate social media post:
It's fine for fans to disagree... but the way some fans have publicly voiced their opinions and joined a petition is beyond me.
He added,
Just imagine if this was your brother, son, or best friend... I hope the transfer goes through and Madueke rams all of this negativity back down the throats of these impostors.
Arsenal will take on Manchester United in their first match of the upcoming Premier League season.