Instead of celebrating what should be one of the biggest moments of his career, Noni Madueke has found himself at the center of a social media storm—and not the good kind.
The 23-year-old England international is set to join Arsenal in a £52 million deal from Chelsea, but what should have been a joyful leap forward has turned sour thanks to an unexpected wave of fan backlash.
From Chelsea Training to Arsenal Medical
Madueke had been training with his Chelsea teammates in New York, preparing for the Club World Cup final against PSG.
But by Thursday, he was already back in England, stepping into the final stages of his Arsenal move—medical tests, paperwork, and the usual protocol.
If all goes smoothly, he’ll become Arsenal’s fourth summer signing, following Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
He’ll also be the seventh player Arsenal have signed from Chelsea under Mikel Arteta.
Outrage Online: Murals Vandalized and Hashtags Trending
But not all Arsenal fans are thrilled. In fact, some have made their disapproval loud and clear.
A petition opposing Madueke’s arrival has gathered nearly 5,000 signatures, murals outside the Emirates have been spray-painted with “Arteta Out,” and the hashtag #NoToMadueke has been circulating widely on X (formerly Twitter).
Rio Ferdinand Steps In to Defend the Young Winger
That reaction was enough to push Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand to speak out.
In a heartfelt message posted on social media, he expressed outrage over the treatment Madueke has received.
Rio wrote, “For a young 23-year-old English footballer to be vilified, bullied, embarrassed and totally stripped down at a time when you’re meant to be celebrating a transfer worth £55 million… it’s disgraceful.”
He went on to ask fans to put themselves in the shoes of Madueke and his family, adding, “It’s fine for fans to disagree with a transfer, but this kind of reaction crosses the line.”
“I’ve Never Seen Anything Like This”
Ferdinand didn’t hold back, calling the reaction “vulgar” and “unprecedented.”
He said he’s never witnessed anything like this in football and hopes he never will again.
He also clarified that his criticism wasn’t aimed at all Arsenal supporters—just a “small section” that has been particularly vocal.
He ended his message with a strong show of support: “Whatever happens from here, good luck Noni.
I hope he shoves all that negativity right back at the people who doubted him.”
Sol Campbell Asks the Obvious: Why Sign Him?
Even former Arsenal captain Sol Campbell weighed in, though his comments were more about curiosity than criticism.
He said fans just want to understand why Madueke is being brought in and how he fits into Arteta’s system.
Campbell called Madueke a quality player, but said the club needs to communicate their reasoning more clearly.
A Versatile Talent with Big Competition Ahead
Madueke has been a regular for Chelsea this past season and even played the full 90 minutes during their Conference League win over Real Betis.
At the Club World Cup, he featured off the bench in the semi-final win against Fluminense, though there were rumblings about his mindset being elsewhere due to the ongoing transfer.
He’s known for playing on the right wing—where Bukayo Saka usually starts—but he’s also been used on the left and could potentially rotate with Gabriel Martinelli.
A Crowded Future at Chelsea Makes His Exit Clear
Chelsea, meanwhile, seem prepared to let him go.
With Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian arriving from Palmeiras this summer—and already impressing by scoring against Chelsea during a recent match—Madueke’s pathway at Stamford Bridge looks increasingly blocked.
Plus, there were signs earlier this year that all wasn’t well.
Madueke was left out of two games for “internal reasons,” including one where he reportedly underperformed in training.
What’s Next for Madueke at Arsenal?
If the deal goes through, Madueke will face stiff competition for a starting spot but could bring much-needed depth to Arsenal’s attack.
Whether fans warm up to the signing remains to be seen—but if he performs, he might just win them over the only way footballers can: on the pitch.