Russell Martin suggests Paul Onuachu can feature against Arsenal

Since joining Southampton from Belgian side Genk in January 2023, Onuachu has endured an inconsistent one and a half year stay at the club. Signed to provide some much needed goals towards the second half of the 2022/23 after an underwhelming start to the season, Onuachu couldn't adapt to the pace, physicality and athleticism needed in the Premier League, which led to the Saints getting relegated at the end of the season. 

Onuachu couldn't find the back of the net for Southampton in the Premier League and was subsequently sent on a season long loan move to Turkish side Trabzonspor. The Nigeria international rediscovered his best form during his loan move, and scored fourteen times in 20 league matches for Trabzonspor. In this transfer window, Trabzonspor as well as Goztepe were interested in bringing the 30-year-old on a loan move to the Turkish league but a move didn't materialise and Onuachu stayed with Russell Martin's side for the new season. 

Russell Martin suggests Paul Onuachu can feature against Arsenal

Onuachu hasn't made any competitive appearance for Southampton this season but featured as a substitute in the Bournemouth matchday squad. Ahead of the massive Arsenal match, manager Russell Martin highlighted that Onuachu could play in the upcoming matches, saying, 

"If the game dictates that we need a player of Paul’s profile, then yes. He is a real handful and has some unique strengths. Paul is there and he’s ready to be used when he is needed."

- Russell Martin

Although Onuachu is yet to score his first Southampton goal, his incredible aerial ability and fitness make him a brilliant second half substitute option in the attack. Moreover, Russell Martin can decide to start Onuachu alongside Cameron Archer in a few matches to find a tactical balance having a tall striker and a centre-forward in the attack. Also, it remains to be seen whether Onuachu makes his first appearance for the Saints this season against Arsenal.