Noni Madueke will look to earn himself a starting place in Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Manchester United next Sunday.
Mikel Arteta and his recruitment team have had a hugely busy transfer window, with Madueke one of six new first-team signings which have resulted in Arsenal spending close to £190million so far this summer.
Arsenal‘s pre-season preparations culminated on Saturday with a 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Emirates Cup, in potentially the clearest indication yet of what Arteta’s front three will be this season.
New signing Viktor Gyokeres‘ first Arsenal goal was quickly followed up by Bukayo Saka, and Kai Havertz came off the bench to add a third in the second half which will give Arteta food for thought ahead of the Gunners’ trip to Old Trafford.
Gabriel Martinelli had started on the left flank against Athletic after a strong display in Arsenal’s previous friendly against Villarreal three days prior, but was replaced at half-time as Madueke finished the match.
Madueke did manage to get on the scoresheet at the Emirates in bizarre circumstances, slotting home his penalty in the shoot-out which took place after full-time despite Arsenal’s 3-0 win within the 90.
The former Chelsea winger’s £52million move to Arsenal makes him the Gunners’ third-most expensive summer signing after Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, and Madueke posted on Instagram at full-time.
Madueke stated that he’s now up to full speed in his Instagram message (9 August), which said: “Much more like it. Can’t wait for next week”.
Gabriel Magalhaes – who has made his first two appearances since April in Arsenal’s last two friendlies – left his support in the comments, saying “Noniiii” alongside a flames emoji.
With Gyokeres, Saka, Martinelli, Madueke and a fit-again Kai Havertz to choose from, Arteta will have an embarrassment of riches up front as Arsenal look to avoid a fourth straight season of falling short.
Further back, William Saliba and Gabriel’s partnership finally looks set to resume with the Brazilian back on the pitch, and that’s the best possible news Arteta could have wished for – above any new signing.
Eberechi Eze could potentially add further to Arsenal’s attacking options before the end of the transfer window, but there’ll be little doubt in-house that Saliba and Gabriel still hold the keys to their success.
