Arteta Says Fan Support Has Powered Madueke’s Impressive Start at Arsenal

Mikel Arteta says the encouragement Noni Madueke has received from Arsenal supporters has been the driving force behind the winger’s strong opening months at the club.

Madueke made the move from Chelsea in the summer in a deal that could eventually exceed fifty million pounds. The transfer did not go down well with some sections of the fanbase at the time and more than five thousand people signed an online petition urging Arsenal to avoid bringing him in. Once he arrived at the Emirates, however, the reaction inside the stadium was very different, and Arteta believes that the positive atmosphere around the player has been crucial.

Speaking about the petition, Arteta said it only strengthened his determination to make the move successful. He explained that it made him even more committed to helping Madueke settle, to building a strong relationship with him, and to ensuring that the environment around him was as supportive as possible. According to the manager, the early criticism faded quickly and was soon replaced by warm approval from the fans which Madueke appreciated deeply. Arteta described that shift in mood as a source of energy for the winger.

The Arsenal manager stressed that the petition had no negative impact on Madueke.

The winger will return to Stamford Bridge on Sunday for the first time since leaving Chelsea. He suffered a knee injury in September but is now fully fit and reminded supporters of his ability by scoring off the bench in the midweek match against Bayern Munich.

Madueke entered the game in place of Leandro Trossard, who remains a doubt for the visit to Chelsea, and the former Chelsea winger is now in contention to start.

Arteta said he has been delighted with Madueke from the moment he joined. He praised the player’s attitude, his willingness to work, and the new dimension he has brought to the attack. The manager said Madueke offers a threat on both wings, possesses qualities the team did not previously have, and demonstrated that again in the Champions League match on Wednesday.