Nigeria, July 13 -- Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has come to the defence of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, who is reportedly on the verge of sealing a £55 million switch to Arsenal, amid fierce criticism from a section of the Gunners' fanbase.

In a strongly-worded message posted online, Ferdinand painted a vivid picture of what he described as unwarranted abuse directed at the 23-year-old England international at a time that should be a career milestone.

"Noni Madueke. For a young 23-year-old English footballer to be vilified, bullied, embarrassed and totally stripped down at a time when you're meant to be celebrating a transfer worth £55 million." Ferdinand began, clearly taken aback by the backlash.

Madueke...