Noni Madueke: Why #NoToMadueke is trending among Arsenal fans

Arsenal have signed six players from Chelsea in recent years – and Madueke will be the second this transfer window after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Some fans believe the club should be chasing what they perceive 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 our 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.

“Is Madueke that sort of player that will win you the Prem? No, Rodrygo is, which is why there is disappointment in the ranks at Arsenal.”

Andrew – a season ticket holder – said there was a difference between match-going fans and those on social media.

“The key word is ‘online’,” Andrew said. “These people signing petitions aren’t Arsenal fans. They live in some parallel fantasy universe on social media where football is viewed like a video game.

“I’m a season ticket holder, and people who go to games believe in Arteta and trust his judgement because he’s usually right.

“Madueke might not be an exciting signing now, but he could prove to be a very good one.

“[Nico] Williams was never coming, Rodrygo is a waste of money, [Anthony] Gordon is overrated and I don’t think this affects Eze. We’ll see how it all works out.”

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.

“It’s also that the money is going to Chelsea.”