'They saw something special' - Arteta reveals Madueke's fathers role in key Arsenal move

Madueke, who was born and raised in Barnet, was eligible to play for the Super Eagles through his Nigerian father.

However, he became officially tied to England after featuring in a UEFA Nations League match against Finland last September.

Despite not yet scoring, Madueke has made a promising start at Arsenal, contributing to the team's four victories in their first five matches across all competitions.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday ahead of Arsenal's Premier League fixture against Manchester City, Arteta highlighted that conversations with the player's father were pivotal in convincing the former Chelsea star to join the club.

"The moment I picked up the phone, I spoke to him, his dad and his agent and the three of them gave me the impression that they were really willing to come," Arteta said, as quoted by Arsenal's official website.

"They saw something special here that they wanted to be part of. Then you have to come here and slowly they start to get to know him and he starts to get to understand the team," the Spanish coach added.

Arsenal is Madueke's fourth London-based club, following stints with Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Arteta provides an injury update on Saliba, Odegaard and Saka, having missed out on previous games for the club.