Arsenal fans launch petition opposing potential signing of Madueke from Chelsea

Arsenal is close to finalizing a £52 million transfer for Noni Madueke, a winger from Chelsea, yet not every supporter is pleased with this news.

On Change.org, thousands of Gunners fans have voiced their discontent with a petition called NOTOMADUEKE, which gained over 4,000 signatures just hours after its launch on Wednesday.

At 23, Madueke has emerged as an unexpected target for Mikel Arteta as he aims to strengthen his attack this summer.

The club has already reached an agreement on personal terms with the England international, and executives have reportedly consulted those familiar with him to determine how well he would fit in at the Emirates.

Although confidence is rising about the transfer, not all fans share the same enthusiasm.

“Arsenal fans deserve better,” asserted petition creator Blaze Fifty. “We are so close to achieving success, yet it feels like we are taking steps back instead of building on our current squad, as we have done in the last three transfer windows. Surely we can find better players than Madueke & [Viktor] Gyokeres — it’s time to show ambition and repay the fans who have supported the club for 20 years.”

The online response has been intense and mixed. While some Arsenal fans labeled the petition as “embarrassing,” others questioned the club's transfer approach.

“Such disgraceful behavior, we must be the worst fanbase in the world,” one user posted on X. Another said, “It’s incredibly embarrassing to support Arsenal when this small group acts out in public.”

Rival fans also chimed in, with comments like: “They could have come from any team. A true fan would support the club’s decisions.”

Another fan challenged the backlash reasoning: “This is the same club that has been pleading for a backup for Bukayo [Saka], yet now suddenly Madueke isn’t acceptable? What top player would want to be a backup to Bukayo?”

Meanwhile, Madueke remains listed in Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad and is anticipated to play in the final against Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday. He has recently come off the bench in Chelsea’s last two games, and manager Enzo Maresca has stayed quiet about the possibility of his departure.

“I have no doubts that Noni will help us if needed,” Maresca stated earlier this week. “I understand that when there is chatter around, it can be tough to manage.”

As talks between Arsenal and Chelsea near conclusion, the debate among fans continues to intensify, but it seems the Gunners are determined to proceed despite the backlash on social media.