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

Chelsea are interested in Ethan Nwaneri, Max Dowman and Morgan Rogers, and could offload Nicolas Jackson as prepare to step up a mass summer-clear out of unwanted players. Manchester United are being linked with Jackson as they look to finally wrap up the signing of Bryan Mbeumo.

The transfer of Noni Madueke to Arsenal from Chelsea is almost complete with only the formalities left to do.The 23-year-old will leave Chelsea's Club World Cup campaign early to return to England

All the latest transfer news as Brentford are set to sign Jordan Henderson, Tottenham close in on Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest, plus Noni Madueke to Arsenal latest.

When star players move between fierce rivals, it adds an extra layer of spice to the deals — how do they tend to pan out?

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has backed Noni Madueke to play through the noise surrounding his future, with Arsenal considering making a bid for the England winger.

There has been a strong reaction online from Arsenal supporters about the expected signing of Noni Madueke from Chelsea. There's been a trending hashtag and even an online petition started that has had over 4000 signatures.

Noni is in contact with the new club and I guess he is going to be [announced] in the next hours,’ Maresca said. ‘Selling him to a rival? I said in one of the last press conferences that if players want to leave,