William Gallas says there is a good chance that Noni Madueke made the move to the Emirates because he is an “Arsenal fan”.

There was a lot of criticism from supporters even before the 23-year-old completed his transfer from Chelsea, but speaking to Gambling Zone, Gallas said he hopes Madueke can silence the doubters:

“When he signed for Arsenal the fans were not happy with the signing. There was a petition against signing him. I said hold on guys, the boy was born in Barnet, he’s a North Londoner. Maybe he was an Arsenal fan growing up.”

“When you see a player who starts regularly for Chelsea and he wants to sign for Arsenal, you have to think for a second. The fans that signed that petition should take a look at themselves, speaking out about a player who wants to come to the club.”

“It was a fundamental mistake to do that. But I think they’ve brought in a fan of the club. He is coming somewhere he thinks he can feel good. He played regularly at Chelsea and is willing to take a risk to not have that at Arsenal, and the fans need to respect what he’s done. Playing well will be the best response to shut a few of these fans up.”

Arsenal spent a lot of money on the winger

It should be pointed out that some of the criticism directed at Madueke was down to many questioning the decision to pay £52m for someone who wasn’t really needed.

The England international does not really thrive on the left, and there is an argument to say that the money spent on him could have been invested in someone who could provide better competition for Gabriel Martinelli.

Madueke will have a perfect opportunity to prove a few wrong

Following the news that Bukayo Saka will miss the trip to Anfield, there is a strong possibility that manager Mikel Arteta will pick the summer signing on the right wing against Liverpool

Madueke started on the opposite flank during the 5-0 win over Leeds last weekend, but many believe Saka’s position is his best role.

Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here