Why might Arteta want Madueke?

Mikel Arteta, Noni Madueke signs his contract and Andrea Berta.Getty Images
Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

You can see why Mikel Arteta might be excited about the prospect of signing Noni Madueke.

His expected goals (9.6), his number of shots (80), touches in the opposition box (199) and progressive carries with the ball (242) were all higher than Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka in the Premier League last season.

Saka only played in 25 league matches compared to Madueke's 32, so it is a fairer comparison with Martinelli, who played 33 times.

Madueke also contributed a combined 10 goals and assists to Chelsea last season and could boost Arsenal's much-criticised attack.

Injuries plagued Arteta's side last season and they ended the season with limited options in the final third as they fell away in the title race.

Madueke is one of the most direct wingers in the league and Arsenal, who mainly play against teams who defend deep against them, could benefit from his eagerness to beat his defender and get a shot at goal.

The table, titled "Martinelli v Madueke v Saka" and attributed to the BBC, compares various performance metrics for each player, including: Games Played: Martinelli (33), Madueke (32), Saka (25) Minutes Played: Martinelli (2300), Madueke (2046), Saka (1735) Goals: Martinelli (8), Madueke (7), Saka (6) Expected Goals: Martinelli (7.4), Madueke (9.6), Saka (6.9) Shots (inc. Blocks): Martinelli (55), Madueke (80), Saka (67) Touches: Martinelli (1083), Madueke (1077), Saka (1094) Touches in the Opp Box: Martinelli (195), Madueke (199), Saka (181) Assists: Martinelli (4), Madueke (3), Saka (10) Goals + Assists: Martinelli (12), Madueke (10), Saka (16) Dribbles Completed: Martinelli (33), Madueke (45), Saka (41) Dribble Success Rate: Martinelli (33%), Madueke (45.9%), Saka (50.6%) Progressive Carries: Martinelli (216), Madueke (242), Saka (192)

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