Declan Rice says Arsenal fans have done something recently that he really ‘didn’t like’

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Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has spoken about the signing of Noni Madueke this summer.

The £105m star hasn’t looked back since making Arsenal home in 2023, signing from West Ham in a club-record deal. 

Rice’s transfer fee isn’t expected to be broken anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean that the Gunners haven’t been splashing the cash. 

Arsenal fans are in awe of Andrea Berta’s work so far this summer, with deals for six players either completed or in the final stages.  

Declan Rice wasn’t impressed by the reaction to Noni Madueke’s transfer

One of the most spoken about transfers this summer has been Noni Madueke’s move to Arsenal from Chelsea. 

The Gunners were questioned about signing Madueke, paying £52m to their London rivals for a player whose numbers haven’t been particularly mind-blowing. 

The reaction from pundits and a small percentage of Arsenal fans has been unacceptable, with Mikel Arteta slammed for identifying Madueke as a target for competition on the wings. 

A group of ‘supporters’ defaced some of the artwork outside of the Emirates in reaction to the transfer, with the outrage being something Rice was far from impressed with.

Speaking to The Athletic while in Singapore with the Arsenal squad, Rice admitted he ‘didn’t like’ the negative reaction to Madueke signing. 

“There’s obviously been a lot of talk around his signing. I didn’t like it, if I’m speaking honestly.”

The Arsenal star went on to give his personal insight into Madueke as a player, having played alongside the winger for England.

“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 that have played with him, we know the quality he has.”

Rice described Madueke as ‘so driven’ and a player desperate to ‘show everyone’ what he’s capable of, insisting that fans are ‘going to see’ exactly what the 23-year-old can do. 

In response to the criticism of the deal, the Arsenal midfielder predicted that his new teammate is about to ‘shock a lot of people’.

“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.”

Rice was ‘blown away’ by Madueke

Rice sent Madueke a letter upon signing for Arsenal, a nice touch between the two players who have a close relationship away from the action.

When speaking to The Athletic, Rice doubled down on his admiration for Madueke, saying he was left stunned by the player’s personality.

“Then I met him as a person with England and was blown away by his personality and character,” Rice explained.

“I don’t think a lot of people would have him down as that but he’s one of those people who lifts the dressing room. He really cares about his football, has high demands, and that’s what shocked me about him.”

It’s not only off the pitch that Madueke has surprised Rice, with the former West Ham captain opening up about what it’s like to train with the winger.

“Then, 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.”

If there’s one thing Arsenal needed this summer, it’s a daring winger who’s ready to compete for game time, something Rice is certain Madueke can offer.