Concerns about Arsenal 24yo’s social media purge played down

Noni Madueke made a significant alteration to his Instagram profile this week, either deleting or hiding all of his posts. The winger didn’t remove the Arsenal tag in his bio, but there was understandably some discussion about the photo removal by fans on social media.

Yet Tom Canton of Football.London reports that he’s been told there’s “nothing in Noni’s Instagram photo deletion”, and that fans “don’t need to read anything into it”.

Madueke hasn’t always had the easiest time with Arsenal so far, scoring just three goals and assisting one in the Gunners’ title-winning Premier League season in 2025/26.

The winger added more goals and assists in the Champions League and FA Cup, but he still only managed 12 goal contributions across 43 games in his first season, and he’s found himself playing a substitute role in 2026/27 so far.

The only exceptions have been Madueke’s start in the Community Shield, and in the League Cup on Tuesday. But rotation in those kinds of games is not unusual, so those appearances can’t really be taken as evidence he’s winning a regular starting spot.

Having said that, Madueke’s goal in the Ipswich game would have made it rather an odd time for the player to display unhappiness.

The fans were largely appreciative of his latest performance, with any criticism instead primarily aimed at the other two members of the front three on the night.

Whatever the reason for Madueke’s profile purge, it seems he isn’t trying to make a point about his minutes or a desire to leave.