Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has backed Noni Madueke to answer his critics following his summer move from London counterparts Chelsea.
The England international signed for the Gunners from the Blues for an initial £48.5 million. The deal came as a surprise for many, with some section of Arsenal fans not entirely pleased.
There was an online petition with over 5,000 signatures opposing the transfer. When asked about it, Rice said that he did not like the unfavourable response towards Madueke’s arrival.
Rice added that the 23-year-old wants to prove a point to everyone, and he is going to shock a lot of people.
He told The Athletic: “There’s obviously been a lot of talk around his signing. I didn’t like it, if I’m speaking honestly. But I know how driven he is. I’ve spoken to him and you’re going to see what he’s about this season.
“As football players, and players that have played with him, we know the quality he has. He’s so driven, and he’s proven. He wants to prove, and show everyone, what he can do and I think you’re going to see that. There’s a hunger inside his belly.
“When he signed, he had like 10 or 11 people with him — that excitement, it’s a good thing. He’s hungry, He wants to play for Arsenal, and those are the type of players we want. It’s so positive. I think he’s going to shock a lot of people, and I can’t wait for him to come.”
Madueke had a decent 2023/24 season with the Blues, making 16 goal contributions.
However, he managed only seven goals in the Premier League, with four of those coming against the same opposition – Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Madueke was guilty of missing multiple big scoring chances, and the onus is on him to improve his finishing to establish himself as an elite winger.
The Englishman will offer more directness to the Gunners’ attack. With Bukayo Saka being a shoo-in on the right wing, Madueke could play from the left next season.
Madueke’s direct running and dribbling skills should pose a threat to opposition defences. If he can improve his end product, he will turn into a superb signing.
The versatile winger is presently on holiday after turning up for Chelsea at the Club World Cup.
The former PSV Eindhoven man should join his new teammates in team training as soon as they return from the pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are on the cusp of landing Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres. He will undergo his medical in London tomorrow before reporting for pre-season duty.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
