Ferdinand Defends Madueke amid furious Arsenal backlash over £55m summer switch.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has launched a scathing attack on a section of Arsenal supporters following their fierce opposition to the club’s imminent signing of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke. The 23-year-old England international is set to complete a £52–55 million move to the Emirates, but the transfer has sparked outrage among some Gunners fans, culminating in a petition that has garnered nearly 5,000 signatures. Rio Ferdinand defends Madueke and labels the fans reaction as Vulgar.
Arsenal agreed personal terms and a five-year contract with Madueke, who returned from Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign in the U.S. to undergo his medical. Despite the club’s confidence in the deal, a vocal group of fans launched the #NoToMadueke campaign on social media and vandalized murals outside the Emirates with messages like “Arteta Out”. Critics questioned the necessity of the signing, especially with Bukayo Saka already occupying Madueke’s preferred right-wing position.
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Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ferdinand didn’t mince words:
“For a young 23-year-old English footballer to be vilified, bullied, embarrassed and totally stripped down at a time when you’re meant to be celebrating a transfer worth £55 million… is an utter disgrace.”
He urged fans to consider the emotional toll on Madueke and his family, emphasizing that this should be a moment of celebration, not humiliation. Ferdinand added:
“It’s fine for fans to disagree with signings… but joining a petition to block a player’s dream move? That’s beyond me.”
He clarified that his criticism wasn’t aimed at all Arsenal fans, but rather a “small section who have become very loud unfortunately.”
The winger is expected to be Arsenal’s fourth summer signing, joining Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga. He’ll likely compete with Gabriel Martinelli and Saka for a starting spot, offering versatility on both flanks. Ferdinand concluded his post by wishing Madueke well and expressing hope that the player “rams all of this negativity back down the throats of these impostors.”
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