Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal and England "get the benefit" from the friendly rivalry between Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke as the duo battle to start for both club and country. Madueke has taken advantage of two spells out injured for Saka this season to make a strong impression in his debut season with the Gunners and in England's impressive World Cup qualifying campaign. Saka had nailed down his place on the right side of the attack for both club and country prior to an injury-hit 14 months.

Madueke's form and injuries to Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz saw Arteta use Saka in a more central role for Sunday's 4-0 FA Cup rout over third-tier Wigan. Arteta said the two had even taken their competitive spirit to trying to outdo each other in the gym, but were great friends off the pitch. "We were in the gym and they were testing and everybody was trying to compete with each other and those two were hilarious as usual," said Arteta at a press conference ahead of Wednesday's trip to Wolves. "It is great to witness because it is natural. The way they like each other so much, they are constantly together and there is certain competition for places, but they take it from an incredible side.