Arsenal fans launch petition to boycott Noni Madueke’s $70M transfer from Chelsea

Arsenal have taken an aggressive approach in the 2025 summer transfer window, making major investments to help Mikel Arteta build a squad capable of competing for top honors. However, the $70 million signing of Noni Madueke from Chelsea has sparked controversy among supporters, with some launching a petition to boycott the move.

Arteta strongly pushed for Madueke’s arrival, with the winger choosing to leave Chelsea just two days before the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final in order to complete his medical and finalize the transfer to North London. Still, ever since rumors first surfaced linking Madueke to the Gunners, many fans have voiced their opposition—in a very public way.

Disgruntled supporters created a petition on Change.org under the hashtag #NoToMadueke, which quickly went viral across social media. The campaign struck a nerve, surpassing 5,000 verified signatures, as fans expressed frustration over what they see as an ill-advised and overpriced acquisition.

“Arsenal fans deserve better, we are so close to success and instead of capitalizing on the squad we have it seems we are moving 2 steps back just like the 3 previous transfer windows. We can surely do better than Madueke & (Viktor) Gyokeres show some ambition repay the fans the same way we’ve backed the club for the past 2 decades,” wrote the fans about the “cause” behind the petition.

In response, a smaller group of supporters created a counter-petition under the hashtag #WelcomeHomeMadueke, though it only gathered 133 signatures. Regardless of fan sentiment, the transfer was finalized on July 18, with the 23-year-old winger signing a deal through 2030. The fee—reported as £52 million (roughly $70 million)—has remained a sticking point for many fans.

At his unveiling, manager Mikel Arteta was full of praise for the new signing: “Noni Madueke is one of the most talented wide forwards in the Premier League. At just 23, he brings both club and international experience. Having witnessed his quality up close, we’re genuinely excited.”

Madueke to miss Arsenal’s preseason tour

Despite the controversy, the petition did not stop the transfer. However, eyebrows were raised again as Arsenal’s preseason tour began—with no sign of Madueke in the squad flying to Asia for matches in Singapore and Hong Kong.

According to Arsenal’s official website, Madueke was left out of the traveling roster due to his participation in Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the United States. He is expected to join up with the team once they return to the UK in early August.