In July, more than 4,000 Arsenal supporters signed an online petition titled "#NoToMadueke," protesting the £52 million transfer of the 23-year-old from Chelsea. The backlash, which trended on social media platform X, reflected concerns over Madueke's fit in the squad amid competition from established stars like Bukayo Saka. Despite the opposition, the deal proceeded, marking another high-profile acquisition from Chelsea under Arteta's tenure.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal's Premier League clash with Chelsea on Sunday—Madueke's first return to Stamford Bridge since his departure—Arteta dismissed any negative impact from the fan dissent. "If anything, it gave me more conviction and more will to help him," the Spaniard said, emphasizing his determination to integrate the forward seamlessly.
Arteta went on to detail the club's proactive approach: "We did everything we possibly could to make his relationship work and to prepare everything around him in the best possible way." He credited the subsequent support from Emirates Stadium crowds as a turning point, describing the initial controversy as "like fuel to him." Madueke, sidelined for nine weeks with a knee injury sustained in September, marked his return with a substitute appearance in Arsenal's 4-1 north London derby win over Tottenham last weekend.
The manager expressed delight in Madueke's contributions, praising his "attitude and energy" since arriving in north London. "I'm very pleased with him... what he has brought to the team," Arteta added, hinting at a potential starting role against his former employers.
Madueke himself has shrugged off the early criticism, insisting it never dented his confidence in the move. With Arsenal pushing for silverware this season, the winger's adaptation could prove pivotal, transforming fan skepticism into a narrative of redemption.
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