Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has voiced his disapproval of the negative online reaction from some fans regarding the signing of Noni Madueke from Chelsea. Despite the backlash, Rice has expressed confidence in Madueke's potential to impress with his talent.
Madueke, 23, was acquired for an initial fee of £48.5 million last week as Arsenal aims to bolster their attacking options. However, the signing sparked controversy, with the hashtag #NoToMadueke trending on social media and a petition garnering over 5,000 signatures.
"I know how driven he is," Rice stated following Arsenal's 1-0 pre-season victory over AC Milan in Singapore. "I've spoken to him, and you're going to see what he's about this season. He wants to prove and show everyone what he really can do. He's hungry, he wants to play for Arsenal, and that's the type of player we want. It's so positive."
Rice continued, "He's going to surprise a lot of people, and I can't wait for him to join. Internally, the players and staff have been discussing him. We know the player we're getting, and we are eagerly anticipating his arrival at our club. It's going to be really exciting."
'That's an Unbelievable Trait to Have'
Rice penned a letter to Madueke upon his signing with Arsenal, which the winger was seen reading during the transfer announcement video shared by the club. Rice mentioned that the club initiated the idea, calling it "a nice little touch for him to join the club and feel welcome," and Madueke expressed his appreciation.
Madueke has been brought in to support Bukayo Saka on the right wing and to compete with Gabriel Martinelli for his starting position on the left. Having been a regular for Chelsea over the past two seasons, Madueke has scored 20 goals in 92 appearances.
The Gunners have occasionally struggled to break down defensively deep teams, and Madueke's ability to outmaneuver his defender is seen as a significant asset as they aim for a trophy this season after near successes in previous campaigns.
"When you're an attacking player and your first instinct is to go past your defender, that's an incredible trait," Rice remarked about Madueke's skills. "He's going to bring that to the squad alongside our other wingers. Let's be honest - last year, we lacked depth in many areas. We played much of the season with numerous injuries, so being able to rotate and compete in various competitions with different players is going to be highly beneficial. That's crucial for us."
Rice Aims to Score More Goals
Arsenal has been active in the transfer market, securing deals for Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga, with Cristhian Mosquera and Viktor Gyokeres expected to join soon. Rice concluded last season playing a more advanced number eight role, and with the additions of Norgaard and Zubimendi, it is anticipated he will continue in that position.
"I believe the manager now sees me as a box-to-box player, and at the end of last season, post-Christmas, I demonstrated my full capabilities in that role and really progressed," Rice explained.
Rice notched nine goals and provided 10 assists in all competitions for Arsenal last season and is determined to surpass those figures this campaign. "I'm setting high expectations for myself this year," he said. "I'm really pushing myself because I finished last season very strong. At the start of last season, I wasn't at the level I demand of myself."
"I attribute it to a few factors - the aftermath of the Euros final was mentally challenging, having only 16 days off before diving straight into a Premier League season. More goals. More assists. Impact the games more. Not just at the end of the season, but throughout the entire campaign, setting personal targets. I think the best players in the world do that. They strive to push themselves, and that's what I'm aiming for, with the manager also encouraging me to do so."
xml