Noni Madueke has confirmed he expects his competition with Bukayo Saka for the right wing spot to continue into the foreseeable future.
The pair are close friends off the pitch but fierce competitors for the same position as Arsenal prepare for the UEFA Champions League final.
Both players have contributed important goals against top European opposition throughout the campaign this season.
Madueke scored his first Arsenal goal against Bayern Munich during the league phase, stepping up during a period when Saka was sidelined through injury.
Saka then delivered the decisive goal against Atletico Madrid that sent Arsenal to Budapest, where they will face PSG in the final.
Arsenal have already secured the Premier League title, but Madueke insists the domestic success does not reduce the pressure heading into Saturday’s match.
“No. It’s separate,” he said. “Okay, the pressure of the Champions League is there, but pressure is with us all the time. This is Arsenal Football Club. One of the biggest teams in England. The Champions League is, of course, the big one. So we’re looking forward to it.”
The final represents a chance for Arsenal to win a trophy they have never previously secured in their entire history.
The club reached the Champions League final only once before, in 2006, losing 2-1 to Barcelona in Paris.
Madueke spoke passionately about what winning the competition for the first time would mean to everyone connected with the club.
“Champions League is so big, you know. The Premier League is massive, but the Champions League is so big to be able to do that for the first time in the history of the club would be amazing,” he said.
“To then celebrate it with all the Arsenal fans would be the cherry on top!”
Saka is expected to start the final, meaning Madueke is likely to make any contribution from the substitutes bench in Budapest.
Madueke acknowledged the challenge of competing for minutes is different to what he experienced previously, but spoke warmly about his relationship with Saka.
“Yeah, it’s been different for sure,” he said. “But yeah, B is a top player. A fight on all fronts. Same for England. Same for Arsenal. But it’s been good. We know that we’re pulling in the same direction.”
The former Chelsea winger also highlighted the mutual respect and influence the two players share in their day-to-day work together.
“Yes, amazing to have two. High-level players. But completely different, you know,” Madueke said. “So yeah, there’s definitely parts of his game I try and implement into mine. He probably say the same. So we’re so close off the pitch. I think that’s well documented.”
