Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand has blasted Arsenal fans for their reactions to the club’s pursuit of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, and has labelled Gunners fans a disgrace after a petition against the signing of the 23-year old reached almost 5,000 signatures.
The petition, titled #NOTOMADUEKE, appeared on Wednesday as news surfaced that Arsenal had agreed a £55million deal for the Chelsea winger.
Softfootball reports that Ferdinand took to his X account to share his thoughts on the ‘vulgar behaviour’ put out by some section of Arsenal fans after learning about Madueke deal. Ferdinand did not pull any punches when discussing the extremity of the abuse directed at Madueke.
Noni Madueke
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) July 12, 2025
For a Young 23 year old English footballer to be vilified, bullied, embarrassed and totally strip down at a time when you’re meant to be celebrating a transfer worth £55 million. Yes a young kid with a dream about to secure a £55 million dream move to a club of his… pic.twitter.com/rVZIn83Jr8
Madueke joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2023, scoring 20 goals in 90 appearances for the Blues since.
With the arrival of attacking options Jamie Gittens, Estevao Willian and Joao Pedro in West London so far this summer, Madueke is searching for a new opportunity in North London. However, it is hard to imagine a rockier start than this for the England international.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Madueke has returned to England after leaving the Chelsea camp for the Club World Cup in the United States. The medicals are scheduled and it is expected that Mikel Arteta’s side will announce the arrival of the Barnet-born attacker shortly.
In an earlier report, Softfootball reported that Gyokeres has heaped praises on Saka, two other Arsenal players ahead of potential move to the Emirates. Gyokeres has heaped praise on Bukayo Saka, along with defensive duo Gabriel and William Saliba amid ongoing talks over a potential move to the Emirates.
The Sweden international has expressed his admiration for the players as the Gunners remain locked in talks with Sporting CP over a deal for the 27-year-old centre-forward which could yet reach £70million.
Amid all the noise surrounding Gyokeres’ future, the Swede has taken the time to speak with French outlet L’Equipe in an exclusive interview regarding a number of topics including his admiration for Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.
