Arteta appreciates rivalry between Madueke and Saka for starting spots

Mikel Arteta feels that Arsenal and the England team reap the rewards from the amicable contest between Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke, as these players vie for starting positions with their club and national side.

This season, Madueke has seized opportunities during Sakas two injury absences to deliver standout performances in his inaugural year at Arsenal and during Englands successful World Cup qualification push.

Before enduring a challenging period of 14 months plagued by injuries, Saka had secured his position on the right flank for both his club and country.

With Madueke in fine form and injuries sidelining Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz, Arteta deployed Saka centrally during Sundays 4-0 FA Cup victory against third-division Wigan.

Arteta mentioned that the pair extend their competitive nature even to gym sessions, where they try to surpass one another, yet they share a strong friendship away from the field.

"In the gym, they were testing themselves, and everyone was competing, but those two were as entertaining as ever," Arteta commented during a press briefing before Wednesdays match at Wolves.

"Its wonderful to observe because it comes naturally. They get along so well, spend a lot of time together, and while there is rivalry for team places, they approach it positively.

"Both the squad and the players themselves profit from this dynamic."

A win for Arsenal against league-bottom Wolves could extend their lead over Manchester City to seven points at the Premier League summit.

Artetas squad is nearing their first domestic title in two decades and remains in the hunt for a historic quadruple.

They will meet City in next months League Cup final, head to League One side Mansfield for the FA Cup fifth round, and advanced to the Champions League knockout stage with a perfect group record.

"Our current standing is an honour, one we have worked hard to achieve," Arteta added.

"Over seven and a half months, we have consistently done the correct actions and maintained our high performance levels. We must cherish this moment."

Though Odegaard and Havertz will sit out the Molineux visit, Arteta expects them to recover in time for Sundays north London clash at Tottenham.

Defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White are ready for Wednesdays game following minor injury concerns from the Wigan encounter.