Mikel Arteta has “earmarked” shocksenal player to rival Viktor Gyokeres

Gamble paid off, when Merino made a brace against Leicester City in his first excursion as number nine, where the 28-year-old now offered as another option to rotate at the top.

With Gyokeres on board, Merino is expected to switch to the third in the line behind the Swede and Hafertz, with a place below for Jesus when returning from injury, but the quartet is not the only alternative of the Artet.

Mikel Arteta sees Ethan Nwaneris potential as a striker

Gyokeres made his first Arsenal goal in his first performance on the Emirate and set the tone before his debut Premier League campaign.

Gunners number 14 is everything that Arteta appealed for in January and was a natural striker with a fairly ability to score.

The preseason was a time for the fans to get their first glimpse of Gyokeres, but it was also a time that saw that squad players shine, one of which was Ethan Nwaneri.

Interestingly, it is Nwaneri that Arteta is said to have “earmarked” as a further alternative in number nine role within the Arsenal squad.

When he talked about Arseblog Arsecast Extra podcast, Athletic’s James McNicholas noticed on the teenager’s versatility.

“He said, I’m ready to play anywhere over the top five, which is interesting,” said values.

“Yes, including the number nine place, which I know Mikel Arteta has a kind of earmarked him for potentially in the future.”

While McNicholas celebrated how many strings Nwaneri has to his bow, the journalist doubled how impressive the 18-year-old was over before the season in his favored attacking midfield role.

“It’s amazing that he has that flexibility and versatility, but I have really been impressed by him by Martin Odegaard’s position during the season.”

Nwaneri dazzled during the season and showed a new level of confidence as he played in his most comfortable position and gave Arteta food for thought.

Nwaneri’s record as a striker

Arteta will enjoy how versatile Nwaneri is, but will, as we all, see how unplayable Hale End exam is like a number ten.

The player has a real chance to fight Martin Odegaard next year, but there is a good chance that he will also present in a number of other positions.

It is clear to see why Arteta believes in Nwaneri’s ability as a striker, because the teenager has a remarkable point record when playing as a middle forward.

In his career, Nwaneri has scored 11 goals in just nine performances as a striker and shows his ruthless edge when he even got half a chance.

The young people’s main priority entering the new season will be to continue his development with the first team, where he will undoubtedly have countless opportunities.