This week, Arsenal reached an agreement to sign Madueke from Chelsea for a fee of over 68 million USD. The 23-year-old midfielder returned to England for a medical examination and did not join Chelsea for the FIFA Club World Cup final against PSG today. If there are no issues, Madueke will sign a 5-year contract with the Gunners.

This transfer has been controversial, attracting nearly 5,000 signatures on a petition from Arsenal fans in opposition. Murals outside Emirates Stadium have been defaced with the words "Arteta out", while the hashtag #NoToMadueke is trending on X.

Noni Madueke reacts after scoring during Chelsea's match against Servette in the first leg of the Europa Conference League play-off round at Stamford Bridge in London, England, 22/8/2024. _Photo: AP_

Ferdinand expressed surprise at the negative reaction from Arsenal fans and considers it unprecedented. "A young, 23-year-old English player is being vilified, bullied, embarrassed, and totally slated at a time when he should be celebrating a 70 million USD deal," he wrote on X. "A young boy with a dream about to get his dream move to the club he’s supported as a boy, treated like this by a section of Arsenal fans is a disgrace".

Ferdinand urged fans to put themselves in the shoes of Madueke and his family to understand their feelings. The former Manchester United and England defender hopes those close to Madueke will be there to support the winger.

"Fans have a right to disagree with club decisions, but some of the abuse and the signing of petitions against the signing is something I just can’t understand," Ferdinand continued. "I've never seen anything like it, and I hope I never will again. Imagine this is your best friend, family member, brother, son... and then tell me how you’d feel if they were receiving this type of abuse?".

Ferdinand affirmed that his comments were not directed at all Arsenal fans, but only a small segment that had become overly aggressive. The 46-year-old wished Madueke good luck and hoped the transfer would be successful.

Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Sol Campbell expressed his dissatisfaction and wanted his former club to explain the reasoning behind signing Madueke. "I think most people are thinking 'Do we need him?'. He’s a quality player, but the club need to explain the reasons for signing certain players and how they will fit into the system," the former England center-back said.

Noni Madueke (white jersey) dribbles the ball during Chelsea's 2-1 victory over Palmeiras in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals at Lincoln Financial Field, Pennsylvania, USA, 4/7/2025. _Photo: AP_

Madueke played for PSV Eindhoven before joining Chelsea for 35 million USD in the summer of 2023. He has scored 20 goals in 92 appearances across all competitions. Arsenal values Madueke's ability to play on both wings and sees him as a backup option for Bukayo Saka.

Once the transfer is complete, Madueke will become the seventh Chelsea player to join Arsenal in the last 7 seasons.

Hong Duy (_Daily Mail_)