Blockbuster Arsenal signing set to be axed by Mikel Arteta in damning verdict
Troy Deeney has made the bold claim that one Arsenal signing could be axed from Mikel Arteta’s side when one star returns from injury.
Arteta has faced criticism for his trophy record at Arsenal, as the Spaniard aims to win his first trophy in six years at The Emirates.
Arsenal have backed Arteta with multiple new signings, as the strength of the 43-year-old’s squad has been boosted.
The ex-Everton man has been criticised by pundits for his lack of success, with one former Arsenal star giving Arteta a huge ultimatum ahead of the season.
Bukayo Saka may be set to return from injury as Arsenal welcome Nottingham Forest to North London on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta set to axe Viktor Gyokeres
Arteta, has seen his attacking options get a boost this summer, with Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres both joining the ranks.
Gyokeres, however, may be set to be dropped when Kai Havertz returns to full fitness, according to ex-Premier League forward Troy Deeney.
Deeney spoke to talkSPORT, saying: “I think Havertz plays more games than Gyokeres. I really do. I just think Arteta knows him, loves him. It’s worked up to a point.
“I think personally he needs to demand the ball more, I think he needs to ask for it more, I think he needs to be more deliberate in his runs.
“And also, let’s call it as it is, his hold up play has been terrible so far. It’s been terrible. So he needs to do more. He needs to bring more to the game,” Deenery said.
“And look, I think there’ll be games he scores two and threes, maybe even fours, against the lesser teams.
“But I just don’t know in the games against Liverpool, does he turn up? No. In the games against [Manchester] City and Chelsea, they’re games where you need someone to get you over the line.”
Deeney went on to suggest that Gyokeres’ lack of service isn’t down to a lack of creative players behind him, saying: “They [Arsenal’s midfielders] don’t trust him.”
Mikel Arteta faces a dilemma on the wings
Arteta will be buoyed by the return of Saka, as Martin Odegaard also looks set to return to Arsenal’s starting eleven for their clash against Forest.
Yet, Madueke’s form with England while away on international duty will give Arteta a major selection headache ahead of Saturday’s match.
| Noni Madueke vs Andorra | |
| Assists | 1 |
| Pass percentage | 87 |
| Chances created | 3 |
| Big chances missed | 1 |
| Passes into final third | 1 |
Madueke played a key role in England’s opener against Andorra, and scored his first England goal away in Serbia on Tuesday.
Arteta will hope he can continue that form, but may be forced to shift Madueke to his less-favoured left wing position, to accommodate the return of Saka on the right hand side.