Player Expresses Desire to Join the Gunners
This summer’s transfer saga surrounding Crystal Palace and England international Eberechi Eze is captivating fans. Arsenal initially showed interest, but it seemed their North London rivals, Tottenham, were in the lead after agreeing to Palace’s terms. However, as reported by The Athletic, following a knee injury to Kai Havertz, Arsenal has made a renewed attempt for Eze, who prefers a move to the Gunners over Spurs.
Negotiations between Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish and Tottenham’s Daniel Levy have occurred recently, but Arsenal’s interest has remained strong. Although Spurs had reached an agreement with Palace and the player, they may pivot to other targets if Eze opts for Arsenal. The attacking midfielder has a release clause estimated at around €78.7 million, but Arsenal is seeking to negotiate a fee below that amount. Eze has garnered attention from several top clubs, including Tottenham, Liverpool, and Manchester City in the past year.
After Crystal Palace’s FA Cup victory in May, Eze expressed his ambition, stating, “I want to win everything. Everything there is to win, for me to win, I want to win it. That’s the mentality… it’s always been the goal from the start.” While Palace’s success in the FA Cup was noteworthy, it is their sole major trophy, prompting Eze to consider a move if he’s to achieve his goal of being a serial winner. What is it about Eze that draws so many elite teams, and what could he contribute to a club like Arsenal?
Why Eberechi Eze is in High Demand
Since his transfer from QPR to Crystal Palace in 2020 for €17.8 million, Eze has established himself as one of the Premier League’s finest attacking midfielders. Although injuries have occasionally slowed his progress, his ability to evade defenders and contribute goals and assists in the final third is unmatched by many in his role. Since joining Palace, only six midfielders have recorded more goal contributions in the Premier League than Eze’s total of 57, despite him playing fewer matches than all but Kevin De Bruyne and Cole Palmer.
Last season, Eze had his most prolific Premier League performance, with 16 goal contributions across 34 matches. He has proven to be a crucial player during significant matches, scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City and finding the net against other top teams like Arsenal, Tottenham, and Liverpool in the past two seasons. Eze possesses an incredible knack for finding space in tight situations and has the ability to excite fans. How might he fit into the current Arsenal setup if he makes a move to the Emirates?
Potential Contributions of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal
Arsenal is expected to have a bustling transfer window after already adding midfielders Martín Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, defender Christhian Mosquera from Valencia, winger Noni Madueke, and striker Viktor Gyökeres. With these acquisitions and the existing talent at the club, the question arises: where could Eze fit? His versatility may be the answer. Eze can potentially operate as a left-winger or in central and attacking midfield roles, providing depth and cover for Bukayo Saka on the right wing. Throughout his career, Eze has played over 20 matches in various positions, including left winger, attacking midfielder, and central midfielder. His addition could provide the depth necessary for Arsenal to finally secure a trophy.
