Some Gunners supporters have reacted negatively to the news that Arsenal is nearing an agreement to sign Chelsea winger Noni Madueke for a little more than £50 million.
A petition has been created and signed by over 4,000 people, and #NoToMadueke has gained popularity on X. ‘Arteta out’ has been used to vandalize murals outside the club’s Emirates Stadium.
Madueke will be the second player from Chelsea to join Arsenal this transfer window, following goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has signed six players from Chelsea in recent years. Some supporters think the team ought to pursue what they consider to be “bigger” names.
The Gunners have, for example, been linked with Real Madrid winger Rodrygo and Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze.
Responding to a post on Arsenal page, Gunners fan Steve said: “It’s underwhelming, really. A lot of money for a back-up player. He won’t be a first-team choice over [Bukayo] Saka on the right and [Gabriel] Martinelli on the left.
“They should have got a cheaper back-up player and used the excess money to seal the [Viktor] Gyokeres deal.
“I think the other thing about this is that some Arsenal fans were hoping to get Rodrygo. This is now not happening as Arsenal don’t have the money to spend.
Andrew – a season ticket holder – said there was a difference between match-going fans and those on social media.
Will, meanwhile, thinks a lot of the frustration is around the money Arsenal are going to be paying to Chelsea.
“I reckon over half the fans don’t think Madueke is a bad player. It’s just the nature of the deal – £50m for a player who is going to sit on the bench behind Saka or look out of place on the left wing seems like poor business – particularly when this feels like a make-or-break season for major silverware.
