Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke in a deal that could rise to £52 million.

The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2030.

Madueke is Arsenal’s fourth addition of the summer, joining Martin Zubimendi,  Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga at the Emirates.

Meanwhile, the club is reportedly progressing with negotiations for Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera and Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres. They have also reached an agreement on personal terms with Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze.

Madueke becomes part of an exclusive group of 18 senior players who have made the high-profile switch from Chelsea to arch-rivals Arsenal. Notable names to have taken the same path in recent years include Petr Cech, Kai Havertz, Jorginho, and most recently, Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The hashtag #NoToMadueke began trending on X when it first emerged that Arsenal had reached an agreement for the attacker, while a petition – signed by thousands – demanded that the club drop their interest with immediate effect.

Meanwhile, a mural outside the Emirates was defaced with the words, ‘Arteta out’. Another that had been vandalised simply called Arsenal’s head coach a ‘c***’.

Considering the backlash from certain fans, Madueke could be excused for having second thoughts about the transfer.

However, in his first interview with Arsenal’s official website, the ex-PSV Eindhoven winger expressed his excitement about the new challenge and said he was thrilled to join the Gunners’ “family.”

‘I’ve spoken to Declan [Rice], Myles [Lewis-Skelly], Bukayo [Saka], even Jurrien [Timber] as well and they all say amazing things about the club and the culture here and how warm it is and how much of a family it is.

‘I’m really happy to be a part of the Arsenal family now.’

Asked what his ambitions were, Madueke replied: ‘Just to win, to win all the competitions we’re in. I feel like we’re definitely capable of doing that.

‘And just to help the team in every way I can and grow as a player, but also as a person.

Arsenal fans, I can’t wait to see you at the Emirates. I’m so, so happy to be here. It’s going to be a great success.’

Arsenal have announced that Madueke will miss their pre-season tour of Asia due to his involvement in the Club World Cup with Chelsea. He is expected to join up with his new teammates in early August.

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand was among those who criticised the backlash against Madueke, condemning the abuse as “vilification” and “bullying,” and calling the reaction 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,’ the legendary ex-England defender told his followers on social media.

‘Yes a young kid with a dream about to secure a £55million dream move to a club of his desire leaving a rival at that to be treated in this manner via section of the Arsenal fanbase 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.

‘I’ll say it again, at a time as a player, as a human, as a family, you should be celebrating.

‘I just hope the people that are closest to him are around him and supporting him in the way that he needs right now.

‘It’s fine for fans to disagree with signings or decisions made at their football club but the way some fans have publicly voiced their opinions and those who have gone a step further in publicly joining a petition for this player not to be signed by their football club is beyond me.

‘I have never seen anything like this before, and I hope I don’t ever again.

‘Like I said earlier, just imagine if this was your best friend, one of your family members, your brother, son… then tell me how would you feel if they were on the receiving end of this vulgar behaviour???

‘By the way, this isn’t aimed at all Arsenal fans, it’s just a small section who have become very loud unfortunately.’

Ferdinand sent his best wishes to Madueke and challenged the forward to prove his doubters wrong.

‘I just hope Noni Madueke rams all of this negativity back down the throats of these imposters.

‘Whatever happens from here, good luck Noni.’