Tony Cascarino believes Mikel Arteta may already have a surprise centre-forward solution within his squad as Arsenal search for consistency in front of goal.
Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table, but recent form has dipped slightly, with the Gunners winning just three of their last five league matches.
Injuries have influenced selection, and Arteta has rotated heavily across the frontline to cope with the demands of the season.
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have both spent long periods sidelined, while Viktor Gyökeres has only recently returned from a muscle problem. As a result, Arsenal have relied on makeshift alternatives, including Mikel Merino, who has delivered in recent games.
Even so, Cascarino believes Arsenal could go further with their experimentation. Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Chelsea striker suggested that Noni Madueke may even be capable of playing centrally despite never operating as a No.9 during his career.
Cascarino reveals the “alternative” he believes Arsenal should consider
Cascarino acknowledged Gyökeres’ adaptation period, saying that although the striker “hasn’t had a difficult time”, he has not hit the ground running quite as quickly as expected.
Gyökeres has scored six times in 18 appearances since arriving, and Cascarino predicts his impact will grow over the course of the season. But the pundit believes Arsenal could unlock a new option.
“I actually think Noni Madueke could play centre-forward,” Cascarino said. “He’s got that directness, sees opportunities, and he’s got so many things that are good for a player to get goals.”
His comments follow Madueke’s strong recent form, including a brace against Club Brugge, which has fuelled suggestions that Arteta now has several different tactical pathways to explore.
Arsenal’s striker dilemma remains wide open
Cascarino went on to highlight that no one has fully secured the No.9 role this season. “We’ve had Havertz, Gabriel Jesus… it’s a nice problem for Mikel Arteta because anyone who hits form will get that position,” he said.
This blend of options, from Merino’s intelligent movement to Havertz’s aerial presence to Madueke’s explosiveness, leaves Arteta with significant flexibility heading into a crucial run of fixtures.
With Wolves next on Saturday night, Arsenal will again need attacking precision as the title race tightens.
Arteta’s willingness to adapt has served the Gunners well so far, but finding the right balance up front remains one of the defining questions of their season.