Declan Rice Believes Madueke Will Surprise Everyone With Its Quality

Declan Rice said he did not like the strong reaction on social media to the recruitment of Noni Madueke.

He defended Arsenal's new winger by saying Madueke would surprise everyone with its quality this season.

Madueke, 23 years old, completed his move from Chelsea to the Gunners earlier this month at a cost of up to 52 million pounds.

The transfer sparked an angry reaction among supporters who made a petition against his arrival and damaged murals outside the Emirates Stadium with the words "Arteta Out".

The hashtag #NoToMadueke is also in the spotlight on X with supporters expressing concerns about its diverse record for two seasons at Chelsea.

However, Rice gave a positive reference to a player who was close friends during their joint duty in the England National Team.

"To be honest, I don't like it. However, I know how excited he is. I've spoken to him and you'll see what he's like this season."

"I think he's very excited and he's really proven himself. He wants to prove and show everyone what he can really do. I think you'll see him. There's hunger in him."

"I think you saw him, when he signed the contract, he was accompanied by about 10 or 11 people, the joy, that's a good thing."

"He's hungry, he wants to play for Arsenal and that's the type of player we want. It's very positive. I think he's going to surprise a lot of people."

"I can't wait for it. That's what I said in my letter. I'm serious because I really like it as a person," Rice said of a strong reaction to Madueke, who missed Arsenal's pre-season tour to Asia for a holiday after bringing Chelsea to the 2025 Club World Cup champions.

Rice's letter refers to something he wrote as part of Madueke's introduction, with footage of himself opening and reading the letter in the back seat of the car on his first day as an Arsenal player.

Rice further emphasized that Madueke has a very strong character. That's what made him want to write a letter to the winger when Arsenal talked about the idea of bringing in Madueke.

"Welcome to Arsenal's family. Noni, my brother, I'm looking forward to you joining the club so much," Rice wrote.

"Obviously I know him up close and he sent a message to me about it and said he really, really appreciates it."

"It was just a little touch that was fun for him to join the club and feel accepted," he said again.

Previously, everyone at Arsenal had discussed Madueke's arrival. Everyone also agreed that the team would get strong ammunition.

No wonder, all the players and staff at Arsenal are looking forward to their actions in the official competition.

"My history with Noni is against him. The first time in West Ham and he has just joined Chelsea."

"He was probably 20 at the time, 21 years old. Then I met him as a person in England and was fascinated by his personality and character."

"I don't think many people will think of him that way, but he is one of those people who can raise enthusiasm in the dressing room."

"He really cares about his football, has very high demands, and that's what surprised me about him," Rice said again.

Madueke has scored 13 goals and five assists in 67 Premier League games. Arsenal believes its basic figures show significant potential.

In the 2024/2025 season, he is the Premier League player who mostly brings the most balls, resulting in one shot per game.

This quality also gave the depth of the Arsenal squad, which in the 2024/2025 season has been crippled in several lines.

"When you're a attacking player and the first thought that comes to your mind is to get past the opponent's defender, I think it's a great nature."

"He will bring that into the squad with the other wingers we have."

"Honestly, last year we had almost no depth in any area. We played almost half the season with so many injuries."

"So now being able to rotate and play in various competitions with different players will be very, very good. That's key for us," Rice said.