Arsenal have made two key signings excluding Viktor Gyokeres for Premier League title fight, legend claims

Arsenal duo Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi could both play crucial roles for the Gunners in this season's Premier League title race, a club legend has claimed.

The Gunners are a little over 48 hours away from beginning their next quest for glory, as Mikel Arteta's squad head to Old Trafford for a blockbuster battle with Manchester United on Sunday, where several new signings could make their debuts.

Viktor Gyokeres - who scored his first goal for the club in their 3-0 Emirates Cup win over Athletic Bilbao - is vying with Kai Havertz to lead the line, while Zubimendi and Madueke may also be hopeful of forcing their way into the first XI.

The former was the man of the match in the Emirates Cup, while Madueke showed flashes of danger too, and Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has exclusively told Sports Mole that the pair should come good under Mikel Arteta, but he is waiting to see how Gyokeres performs before delivering his verdict on him.

Asked if it will be more difficult for Arsenal to win the title this year than in the previous two seasons given the spending of their rivals, Parlour replied: "This summer has seen all top four teams go out and spend a lot on transfers.

Madueke backed to shine at Arsenal alongside "key signing" Zubimendi

"None of the top four have stood still. All have really invested in increasing the quality of their squad and the depth in all four teams is very impressive.

“Liverpool adding [Florian] Wirtz and [Milos] Kerkez, along with [Jeremie] Frimpong is impressive and if they secure Isak, then wow, they have really pushed on.

“Chelsea have continued their buying of players and squad depth is really deep. They will be encouraged by their European win and also Club World Cup win, so I think they will start the season well. Striker wise, they have improved as well.

“Zubimendi is a key signing following [Thomas] Partey leaving and now Arsenal have got Gyokeres. I am keen on seeing how he does this season and the balance on the wings is further added by Madueke who will do well for the club I am sure.

“It’s so competitive now. Whoever comes out on top will deserve it. I hope it’s Arsenal, but, you are going to have to earn the title this year for sure.”

How did Zubimendi, Madueke perform in pre-season?

While Zubimendi had the benefit of facing familiar Spanish opposition in the Emirates Cup, the former Real Sociedad man could hardly have appeared more at home at the base of the Arsenal midfield.

In addition to his sumptuous assist for Gyokeres's header, Zubimendi won four of his five ground duels - putting in four tackles and one interception - while also completing five of his six long passes.

Meanwhile, Madueke also showed glimpses of his quality with the ball at his feet, creating one big chance, completing one successful dribble and finding a teammate with two of his three long balls.

Madueke also found the back of the net in the penalty shootout, banishing the demons of his missed spot kick against Villarreal, but he still failed to register a shot in normal time.

Ray Parlour was speaking to Sports Mole on behalf of NetBet Sports Betting.