Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that Noni Madueke will soon showcase his best form, provided the winger receives consistent playing time.
Mikel Arteta promises Noni Madueke more game time this season
Arteta: Regular Minutes Will Unlock Madueke’s Highest Level
Madueke endured a frustrating opening to the season, managing only 40 minutes across Premier League and Champions League fixtures before the international break.
His limited involvement cost him his place in the England squad and sparked transfer speculation, with Atletico Madrid and Juventus reportedly monitoring his situation.
However, the 24-year-old’s fortunes have shifted dramatically since domestic football resumed.
Christos Tzolis’s hamstring injury opened the door for Madueke to start on the left wing against Leeds United last weekend, where he impressed with four chances created and a crucial cross that led to Riccardo Calafiori’s equaliser.
The former Chelsea attacker followed that performance with another strong display against Lille in the Champions League, operating on the right flank to give Bukayo Saka a rest.
Madueke provided the assist for Jurrien Timber’s opener, demonstrating his value in multiple attacking positions.
Arteta addressed Madueke’s situation ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Nottingham Forest, emphasising the importance of continuity for player development.
“The possibility to any player to give him two or three or four games in a row, I think everybody will appreciate that because they will get more familiar with the players, more minutes, more confidence,” Arteta explained.
“He had a few and he will have more minutes in the next few games. So I’m sure we will start to see a closer version of Noni at the highest level.”
Madueke, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea for an initial £48.5 million, appears to have moved ahead of Eberechi Eze in the pecking order for the left-wing role.
The England international must now deliver consistently to retain his starting position.
