Arteta Backs New Recruit To Solve Arsenal’s Left-Wing Concerns

Mikel Arteta wants Gooners to place their faith in Noni Madueke, even as questions persist over Arsenal’s left-wing.

The pressure to land a reliable striker may have eased, with the recent arrival of Viktor Gyokeres, but it has shifted to the left wing. Pre-season displays from that wing have left fans uneasy. There is growing concern that Arsenal are heading into yet another campaign where the left wing offers little, forcing the team to lean heavily on the right once again.

For many, signing a left winger should have been high on Arteta’s agenda before the window closes. But is it?

Arteta’s take on the left wing

From Arteta’s own words, it is clear he believes he has a solution. Following Noni Madueke’s pre-season debut against Villarreal, the Arsenal boss was full of praise for what the ex-Chelsea man brings.

Arteta said, “I think Noni, when you ask him, he’s very comfortable playing right and left. So if we want inverted-footed players, we can do that.

“He’s a real threat, I wouldn’t want to play against him. And if we want to try something different, playing with natural-footed players, he gives us that option.

“Today, you saw a couple of balls he put in the box, the pace and the quality he can deliver. So, great option.”

Arteta’s comments make it clear: Madueke is firmly in his plans as a left-wing option. He is impressed with the winger’s quality and believes he saw flashes of what he is hoping for in that cameo.