Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta confirmed that the online petition signed by fans opposing the signing of Noni Madueke last summer did not deter him from his decision; rather, it strengthened his determination to help the player succeed at the club.

Around 4,000 people had signed a petition titled "No to Madueke" on social media, expressing their anger over the then-potential deal valued at approximately £52 million from Chelsea.

Arteta said that the fans' reaction had the opposite effect of what was intended, explaining: "If anything... it gave me more conviction and more determination to help him." The Spanish coach added, "We are doing everything we can to make his relationship [with the club] successful and to prepare everything around him in the best possible way." He pointed out that the player himself was not greatly affected by the fuss, but rather saw it as "fuel" for him.

The initial opposition quickly faded after Madueke joined, as he received a warm welcome from the fans inside the stadium and delivered strong performances in his early matches, recently scoring a goal against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Madueke is expected to face a hostile reception upon his first return to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, but Arteta praised the player's handling of the situation and his determination to prove the doubters wrong.