Alan Smith: Negative reaction to Madueke signing ‘disgraceful’ | OneFootball

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith says the negative reaction that has been received after Noni Madueke’s move from Chelsea is “disgraceful”.

Madueke signed for the Gunners last week from London rivals Chelsea in a deal worth up to £52m, but his arrival sparked mixed reviews, with a petition with the title #NOTOMADUEKE getting over 5,000 signatures, whilst graffiti appeared on artwork close to the Emirates Stadium including Arteta Out.

The forward became Arsenal’s fourth signing of the summer after Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi.

Smith has backed the 23-year-old to perform under Mikel Arteta’s leadership, and is adamant the forward will only get better.

“It was a bit of a surprise on my part but I don’t get the reaction, that negative reaction,” Smith said. “Vitriol in some quarters which is disgraceful. He’s a young player, an England international, he’s got good experience here and abroad, he can play on both flanks so he’s versatile.

“That option of maybe lifting the weight off Saka on the right, over on the left, Martinelli’s not doing it. I see him as a very good signing, someone at his age who will only get better under a talented coach like Arteta.”

The negative response towards the 23-year-old also saw Rio Ferdinand post on social media site X last week in support of the forward, whilst hitting back at fans and calling their reactions “an utter disgrace”:

“For a young 23-year-old English footballer to be vilified, bullied, embarrassed and totally strip down at a time when you’re meant to be celebrating a transfer worth £55 million…

“To be treated in this manner via section of the Arsenal fan base is an utter disgrace. Just put yourself in his shoes for one minute, just put yourself in his parents’ shoes for one minute and just think of how that feeling must be.”

Alan Smith was talking to HaytersTV in association with William Hill – https://sports.williamhill.com/betting/en-gb/football