Ray Parlour says Mikel Arteta ‘suddenly’ has a new problem that he needs to deal with at Arsenal

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Ray Parlour believes Mikel Arteta could be about to encounter a problem at Arsenal due to the performances of one individual.

Arteta’s team strolled past Nottingham Forest at the weekend, impressively bouncing back from their disappointing defeat at Anfield prior to the international break.

The victory over the East Midlanders highlighted the Gunners’ newfound strength in depth, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Christian Norgaard, William Saliba and Gabriel Jesus not even making the bench.

Whilst this squad depth is certainly a positive, Parlour does think it may present Arteta with issues moving forward.

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Ray Parlour says Mikel Arteta will have a ‘selection problem’ when Bukayo Saka is fit

Noni Madueke was excellent for Arsenal against Forest.

The winger showed his quality by constantly driving at his full-back and providing a consistent threat from the Gunners’ right-hand side.

Earning plaudits for his display against Ange Postecoglou’s side, and for his exploits for England over the international break, Madueke is now already being considered an integral part of Arteta’s squad.

However, there are only a certain number of positions up for grabs, and talisman Bukayo Saka will return from injury within the next week or so.

Former Arsenal star Parlour believes this competition could create a problem for Arteta, although he admitted that it’s a ‘good position’ for the manager to be in.

“What does he do if Saka comes back in?” Parlour pondered.

“If Madueke plays like he did against Forest every week, he was a danger on that right-hand side. What does he [Arteta] do? Does he put Saka straight back in? That’s the question he’s got to ask himself now, Arteta. It’s a good position to be in if you’re a manager.

“He can still improve a bit. He’s very direct, he’s very quick. It’s just that end product. If he can improve that a little bit, then he’s going to be the real deal on that right-hand side.

“Now, suddenly, you’ve got a problem. Selection problem with Saka getting fit again.”

Noni Madueke can play off the left for Arsenal

Madueke started off the left for Arsenal against Leeds in August.

While not quite as effective from this flank, the 23-year-old did show glimpses that he’s capable on this side. Eberechi Eze is also expected to play from the left, so there is genuine competition in every role.

Pep Guardiola’s best squads at Manchester City had a carousel of wingers rotating and sharing minutes, which kept each of them fresh.

Arteta has never had that until this season, but now he can freely rotate between Eze, Madueke and Saka, while also having the likes of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli at his disposal.

This selection of options should mean none of these players suffer from fatigue or are overplayed throughout the season. It’s a great position for Arteta to be in.