Rio Ferdinand has leapt to the defence of Noni Madueke amid the huge backlash to his potential transfer from Chelsea to Arsenal as some Gunners fans begin a petition against the move

Arsenal are close to finalising a £50 million deal with Chelsea for the transfer of winger Noni Madueke, who is now on the brink of becoming the seventh player to move from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates Stadium in the past six years.

Manchester United Champions League winner Rio Ferdinand has blasted Arsenal fans rallying to protest against the signing of Noni Madueke.

Latest Arsenal transfer news and gossip as the Gunners prepare for a busy summer transfer window before the September 1 deadline