Arsenal transfer news: Declan Rice TAKES AIM at fans after Noni Madueke criticism

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice believes that Noni Madueke will prove the doubters wrong during his debut season at the Emirates Stadium.

Madueke, 23, has completed an initial €55.4 million transfer from Chelsea, but his arrival in north London has been met with immense criticism from Arsenal fans.

Despite this, Arsenal opted to persist with their pursuit of the 23-year-old and the deal was finalised on 18 July.

Madueke registered 16 goal contributions during his final season at Chelsea and the aforementioned Rice believes that criticism aimed at his England team-mate is completely unjustified.

Declan Rice comments on Noni Madueke transfer

Speaking to reporters after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over AC Milan during their first pre-season friendly on Wednesday, Rice admitted (via The Athletic): “There’s obviously been a lot of talk around his [Madueke] signing. I didn’t like it, if I’m speaking honestly.

“But I know how driven he is. I’ve spoken to him, and you’re going to see what he’s about this season. As football players, and players who have played with him, we know the quality he has.

“He’s so driven, and he’s proven. He wants to prove, and show everyone, what he can do, and I think you’re going to see that. There’s a hunger inside his belly.

Rice added: “When he signed, he had like 10 or 11 people with him – that excitement, it’s a good thing. He’s hungry, He wants to play for Arsenal, and those are the type of players we want. It’s so positive. I think he’s going to shock a lot of people, and I can’t wait for him to come.

“Trust me when I say the boys are really looking forward to it. People have been speaking internally – the players, the staff. We know the player that we’re getting and we’re looking forward to having him at our club. It’s going to be exciting,” Rice continued.

“Seeing him up close on the training pitch, when he gets the ball, he just wants to beat his man. He’s so positive and direct. When you’re an attacking player and in your mind the first thought you have is to go past your defender, I think that’s an unbelievable trait.”

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