Arsenal - Mikel Arteta
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Arsenal continued pursuit of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke has triggered a wave of backlash from sections of the club’s fanbase, culminating in a viral online petition titled “No to Madueke,” which has attracted over 2,200 signatures.
The petition, now trending on social media platform X under the hashtag #NoToMadueke, reflects mounting discontent among supporters over the Gunners’ reported £50 million move for the 23-year-old. While Madueke has agreed personal terms with Arsenal, negotiations between the two clubs remain ongoing, with Chelsea holding out for a fee closer to £55 million, more than double the £26 million they paid PSV Eindhoven in January 2023.
The proposed transfer has proven divisive, especially considering it would mark the seventh time a Chelsea player has crossed London to join Arsenal since 2019. Critics have questioned both the wisdom of the deal and Madueke’s suitability, citing his inconsistent performances for Chelsea.
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Despite scoring seven goals and notching three assists in 27 Premier League starts last season, he failed to register a single goal in his final 11 league appearances, adding just one assist during that stretch.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Arsenal fans have started a petition to stop the signing of Noni Madueke and have collected over 2200 signatures.
(Source: @TeleFootball) pic.twitter.com/Fo3dASp0fD
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 10, 2025
The petition on Change.org argues that Arsenal should focus on positions of greater need, such as left wing or striker, rather than spending heavily on a player many fans see as surplus to requirements.
One supporter wrote on X, “Why are we spending £50m on another Chelsea reject when we need a proper left winger or a top striker?” Another added, “Instead of getting Gyokeres, the club is willing to spend more than £50m for another Chelsea player. Do we really need Noni?”
Arsenal - Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke (Image credit: Getty Images)
However, the backlash has also sparked debate within the fanbase, with some labelling the petition “disgraceful” and “embarrassing.” Supporters in favour of the move highlight Madueke’s versatility, pace, and dribbling prowess, his 81% dribble success rate was one of the highest in the Premier League last season. They also point to his ability to play on either flank and his impressive underlying numbers, including 3.5 shots per 90 minutes and 0.42 non-penalty expected goals (xG) per 90, ranking him among the top wide forwards outside traditional strikers.
With Bukayo Saka firmly established as Arsenal’s first-choice right winger, questions remain about where Madueke would fit into Mikel Arteta’s plans. Still, some believe he could offer vital rotation and cover for Saka, who struggled with injuries during a grueling campaign.
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Chelsea, meanwhile, are open to selling Madueke following the arrivals of young wingers Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian. New manager Enzo Maresca has made it clear he wants players fully committed to the project, saying: “I want just players that are happy to be with us. The ones that are not happy, they are free to go.”
The transfer saga has taken a darker turn, with Madueke reportedly disabling comments on his Instagram after facing online abuse from some Arsenal fans. This has prompted condemnation from fellow supporters, with one commenting, “I understand the frustration, but petitions and online abuse? Grow up! England international, 23 years old, and has unreal pace.”
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