Forget Madueke, unexpected Arsenal star will prove most important signing this season, ‘what a player…’ 

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Noni Madueke has enjoyed a sensational start to his Arsenal career since arriving from Chelsea this summer.

The 23-year-old became the latest player to swap Stamford Bridge for the Emirates, and his signing brought out an unwelcome reaction from the Arsenal fans.

Indeed, many supporters voiced their concerns about the move, and now Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal fans owe Madueke an apology, as the forward has hit the ground running in North London.

Madueke has been touted to rival Bukayo Saka on the right flank, with his performances leaving Mikel Arteta with a potential dilemma once his star talisman returns from injury.

However, there is another summer signing at Arsenal who has also deputised phenomenally in the face of injury woes and has somewhat flown under the radar as Madueke steals the headlines.

Cristhian Mosquera is the next rising star at Arsenal

Cristhian Mosquera could prove to be the bargain of the summer following his £13m switch from Valencia – he has performed phenomenally while filling the void left by William Saliba.

The 21-year-old was rushed into his Premier League debut when his French teammate was forced off the pitch through injury during the 1-0 loss against Liverpool, and he has shone in his newfound responsibility.

Arsenal fans dubbed Mosquera a “cheat code” as he kept a clean sheet against Athletic Bilbao on his Champions League debut, sentiments echoed by his former Valencia teammate Diego Lopez, who commented “what a player” on the defender’s Instagram post following the win.

Martin Keown heaped praise on Mosquera after his display at the Estadio de San Mames, as he has proven he did not arrive at the Emirates to be merely a squad rotation option; he is here to compete for a starting berth.

Mosquera was signed to provide competent back-up to the established centre-back pairing of Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, but based on recent form, it will be impossible for Arteta to justify dropping the defender when Saliba returns to the squad.

Of course, this is a welcome problem for the Gunners, who spent approximately £254m to bolster the squad this summer as they aim to mount a serious challenge for silverware this season.

Cristhian Mosquera will be crucial for Arsenal vs Manchester City

The Spain Under-21 international will face the toughest test of his Arsenal career thus far when he lines up to face in-form Manchester City forward Erling Haaland on Sunday.

Haaland scored five goals in a single match for Norway during the international break and has scored five goals in his opening four Premier League outings.

However, Mosquera will undoubtedly become one of the first names on the team sheet if he can neutralise the forward at the Emirates, and based on history, he would be unlikely to lose his role.

Mosquera has a perfect injury record throughout his short career, whereas Saliba has missed 339 days through injury, and Gabriel has missed 249 days – the Spanish defender could soon be the most reliable centre-back option in Arteta’s ranks.