Arsenal boss Arteta encouraged by Madueke and Saka chemistry | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta said he has been encouraged by the chemistry between Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke at Arsenal.

Madueke signed for Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer with the winger viewed as competition and cover for Saka on the right-hand side. However, the former’s impressive form has led to Arteta to experiment with both players in the same side.

Saka started the weekend win over Wigan Athletic in a central role, and Arteta has said the 24-year-old is keen to ‘prove himself’ as a number ten.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Wolves, the Arsenal boss said: “I think he does (enjoy playing centrally), and everything that brings a challenge to him. Anything where he needs to prove something, that ticks something in him, and I think that’s a positive.”

Arteta opened up on the relationship between the pair and said a friendly competitiveness is healthy for the dressing room dynamic.

“This morning we had another one. They were in the gym and they were testing, and everyone was trying to compete with each other, and those two were hilarious as usual.

“It’s great to witness, because it’s natural – the way they like each other so much, they’re constantly together, and there is some competition within the places, but the team benefits from that and they benefit from that as well.

“I spoke especially with the England boys who knew him really well (before signing Madueke). Some of them had Noni in their academy, as well, because it’s really important to find out a player’s trajectory from the players and coaches who have experienced him.”

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