There is a rising backlash among Arsenal fans regarding Noni Madueke (23).
The British 'The Sun' reported on the 15th (Korean time) that a video shared by a fan captured Madueke and Jadon Sancho (25, Manchester United) enjoying the Wireless Festival party over the weekend.
In the video, Madueke is seen wearing a white top and a black cap, while Sancho is also wearing a similar white top and a blue baseball cap. The two became close after Sancho joined as a loan player last season. At that time, Chelsea teammates were winning the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup held in the United States.
Madueke transferred to Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands) in January 2023. The contract includes a duration of 7 years with an option for an additional year, but Madueke is parting ways with Chelsea after just two and a half years.
Manager Mikel Arteta is looking forward to Madueke's multi-position ability and goal-scoring potential. Madueke scored 20 goals (9 assists) in 92 games with Chelsea. Last season, he recorded a total of 11 goals (5 assists) in 46 games.
However, many Arsenal fans are showing mixed reactions to the acquisition of Madueke. Some fans are petitioning on social media (SNS) with the hashtag '#NOTOMADUEKE'.
First, they believe that the transfer fee of £52 million (approximately 96.6 billion won) to acquire Madueke is excessively high. They argue that for that amount, a better attacker could be brought in.
Additionally, Madueke has been criticized multiple times for his training attitude by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca. There is a strong impression that he lacks work ethic. There are also complaints about bringing in a player who has been criticized for his attitude at Chelsea.
In this situation, Madueke's appearance alongside Sancho is not welcomed by Arsenal fans. It is not only seen as a lack of respect for the team he is about to leave but also as an uncomfortable association with Sancho, who has become a problem for Manchester United.
However, the media emphasized that Madueke's statistics are equal to or better than existing Arsenal wingers, excluding Bukayo Saka.
It was also explained that Arteta values players who can play on both wings. Although Madueke primarily prefers the right wing, he can also play as a forward or a wide midfielder.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has called for Arsenal fans to show consideration for the player regarding this dissatisfaction. Arsenal is also reported to have reached an agreement to acquire Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres (27) in addition to Madueke.
[OSEN]