Tony Cascarino has tipped a surprise candidate to lead the line for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta continues searching for a reliable solution to the club’s striker dilemma.
Arsenal have enjoyed a strong overall season, topping both the Premier League and Champions League tables and progressing to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
But their form has dipped recently, with just two wins from their last five league games, and Arteta has been forced to manage an intensifying injury list.
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have missed large spells, while Viktor Gyokeres has only just returned from a muscle issue.
Those challenges have pushed Arteta into experimenting with midfield options up front, most notably Mikel Merino, who has delivered seven goal contributions in his last eight appearances.
His impact has been impressive, but it has also highlighted Gyokeres’ inconsistent start since his £64 million summer move.
The Swedish striker has worked hard off the ball but scored only six times in 18 matches, leaving the position far from settled.
Cascarino Puts Forward an Unexpected Name
Cascarino believes Merino’s performances give Arteta flexibility, but he has now suggested a different option entirely.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he insisted Gyokeres should not be written off.
“I wouldn’t say he’s had a difficult time. He just hasn’t hit the ground running as expected,” Cascarino said.
“He’s not going to get 25 goals this season. But I think over time he’ll gradually give a lot more to Arsenal. I think it’s going to be a slow burner for him.”
He emphasised that the number nine position remains wide open, with several options rotating throughout the season.
“No one’s nailed down the No.9 spot at Arsenal,” he said.
“We’ve had Havertz, Gabriel Jesus. Obviously, they’ll be available, Jesus has already come back into the team this week.”
Cascarino then put forward an unconventional alternative.
“I’ll fire a spanner in the works here,” he said.
“I saw quite a lot of him at Chelsea, I actually think Noni Madueke could play centre-forward. He’s got all the qualities, that directness, sees the whites of the post, sees an opportunity to score a goal.”
“I think he’s got that in his locker. People might go that’s not an option, but I watch him play and I think he’s got so many things that are good for a player to get goals.”
Arsenal’s Upcoming Run Could Define Their Season
Arsenal’s recent defeat to Aston Villa reduced their advantage at the top to just two points, with Manchester City rediscovering their rhythm.
The next seven fixtures mirror a stretch where the Gunners dropped 13 points last season, raising questions about their ability to sustain a title push this time.
Fans have taken renewed interest in Madueke following his £52 million arrival, especially after he scored twice against Club Brugge in the Champions League.
His form, alongside Merino’s surprising effectiveness and Gyokeres’ continued adaptation, leaves Arteta with multiple options — but also big decisions — as Arsenal head into a decisive phase of the campaign.