Blockbuster Arsenal signing set to be axed by Mikel Arteta in damning verdict
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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.
Gyokeres, however, may be set to be dropped when Kai Havertz returns to full fitness, according to ex-Premier League forward Troy Deeney.
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Deeney spoke to talkSPORT, saying: “I think Havertz plays more games than Gyokeres.
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.
He needs to bring more to the game,” Deenery said.
Credit: Imago
“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?
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.”
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 AndorraAssists1Pass percentage87Chances created3Big chances missed1Passes into final third1Noni Madueke’s performance vs Andorra (Fotmob)
Madueke played a key role in England’s opener against Andorra, and scored his first England goal away in Serbia on Tuesday.