Declan Rice backs 'hungry' Noni Madueke to 'shock' doubters after petition against his move from Chelsea to Arsenal
AFNEWS reporter
Jul 24, 2025
Declan Rice backs 'hungry' Noni Madueke to 'shock' doubters after petition against his move from Chelsea to Arsenal
Noni Madueke said he is ready to "repay the faith shown in me" following his move to Arsenal from Chelsea. Some supporters are unhappy with the club's transfer activity and even created a petition against the winger's signing before his arrival. Declan Rice has come out in support of his England team-mate and expects him to flourish at his new club - saying Madueke will "shock" his doubters.
Declan Rice has defended his new team-mate Noni Madueke and backed him to thrive at Arsenal, despite some fans being opposed to his signing from Chelsea.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Herdsmen Kill Nine In Enugu Community |READ WHAT HAPPENED
Madueke joined the club in a deal reported to be worth up to £52 million earlier in the transfer window.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: Over 1,000 Chinese Scammers Arrested Inside A House In Malaysia.
However, leading up to the announcement, the hashtag #NoToMadueke was being used by some supporters on social media, while a petition against his signing received more than 5,000 signatures.
READ ALSO: #EndSARS Protest Yielding Result, As Police Demotes Senior Officers, Dismiss 37 (SEE FULL LIST)
The petition argued that Arsenal's transfer dealings are a sign of "moving two steps back" and urged the club's bosses to "show some ambition and repay the fans the same way we've backed the club for the past two decades."
READ ALSO: TOP STORY: Over Construction Negligence, Aba Resident Sues Abia Govt. Demands N2 Billion Damages
However, Rice has leapt to the defence of Madueke.
READ ALSO: [Opinion] 2023: Abia-Apocalyptic Time Or Peaceful Transition Of Power?
Speaking after their pre-season win against AC Milan in Singapore, Rice said: "I know how driven he is.
READ ALSO: Chelsea finances: Blues announce biggest pre-tax loss of any club in Premier League history
"I've spoken to him and you're going to see what he's about this season. He wants to prove and show everyone what he really can do.
"He's hungry, he wants to play for Arsenal and that's the type of player we want. It's so positive.
READ ALSO: Sandro Tonali will choose Manchester United if they secure Champions League football
"He's going to shock a lot of people and I can't wait for him to come.
READ ALSO: Roberto De Zerbi: Tottenham in talks with ex-Brighton boss about taking over as head coach
"People have been speaking internally - the players, the staff. We know the player that we're getting and we're really looking forward to having him at our club. It's going to be really exciting."
READ ALSO: Eddie Howe Under Pressure as Newcastle Face Summer Exodus and Uncertain Future
Madueke is not with the squad in Singapore, having been afforded a period of rest after being involved with Chelsea at the FIFA Club World Cup right up to the final of the competition.
READ ALSO: The New Hierarchy of Men: Why Status Now Defines Love, Power, and Desire in Nigeria
That means it is likely he will play in an Arsenal shirt for the first time when they play Villarreal in a pre-season friendly at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, August 6.
As well as bolstering their wide options, Rice is certain Madueke will bring the skill required to push Mikel Arteta's side forward.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Herdsmen Kill Nine In Enugu Community |READ WHAT HAPPENED
"When you're an attacking player and in your mind the first thought you have is to go past your defender, that's an unbelievable trait to have," the midfielder said.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: Over 1,000 Chinese Scammers Arrested Inside A House In Malaysia.
"He's going to bring that to the squad along with the other wingers we have. Let's be real - last year we hardly had any depth in any areas.
READ ALSO: #EndSARS Protest Yielding Result, As Police Demotes Senior Officers, Dismiss 37 (SEE FULL LIST)
"We played half the season pretty much with so many injuries, so to now be able to rotate and push in different competitions with different players is going to be really, really good. That's key for us."
Related Stories
David Raya is the best goalkeeper in the world, says Arsenal team-mate Kai Havertz after Sporting heroics
Sandro Tonali will choose Manchester United if they secure Champions League football
Chelsea finances: Blues announce biggest pre-tax loss of any club in Premier League history
Who has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Who do England and Scotland play? Could Lionel Messi face Cristiano Ronaldo?
Eddie Howe Under Pressure as Newcastle Face Summer Exodus and Uncertain Future
Roberto De Zerbi: Tottenham in talks with ex-Brighton boss about taking over as head coach
""
— AFNEWS reporter