Arsenal are genuinely interested in Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, but a growing doubt internally is threatening to stall a move. The Gunners are expected to complete the signing of Viktor Gyökeres, making him their sixth signing of the summer transfer window. However, the club is expected to add at least one more forward before the window closes.
A versatile forward is particularly sought after, with links to the likes of Rodrygo and Eze being a firm indicator. The latter has been touted to be pursued after the arrival of Gyökeres, but according to the latest reports, the Gunners might be having a rethink.
Arsenal hesitate despite Eze’s belief in move
As per an exclusive report by Tribal Football, Arsenal are growing concerned over how exactly the player will fit their tactical puzzle. The conditions of a move have been explored in recent weeks, with the player having a £68 million buyout clause embedded in his Palace deal.
They are reportedly weighing up a move as the player himself is convinced he will make a long-awaited return to his boyhood club this summer. Despite the speculation, however, a bid is yet to materialise, and it is reportedly due to Arsenal being unconvinced.
His technical quality and versatility are reportedly admired, but there is a feeling he is more of a central forward, a position already well covered within the Arsenal squad. This has generated uncertainty over a move, as an approach continues to stall as a result. A decision is expected soon, but Palace are working to generate more competition for the star forward, putting Arsenal at risk of missing out on his signature.
Eze’s best role poses a tactical dilemma for Arteta
Capable of playing on the left flank, Eze is, however, more suited to a central role, whether as an attacking midfielder or second striker. In this position, he uses his dribbling skills, ball-carrying ability and vision to create openings for his teammates.
He enjoyed his most productive campaign to date last season as a result, scoring 14 goals and providing 12 assists. He is a player of undoubted quality, but the Gunners must quickly determine how and where he would fit in Mikel Arteta’s tactical setup.
What do you make of this interesting dilemma, Gooners?
Benjamin Kenneth
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“feeling he is more of a central forward” stopped reading at that point, although there are now potential tactical issues with his use this season (although there wouldn’t be if he had been acquired even as late as last summer).
I’ve been scratching my head about the tactical fit too. If we are being honest, he’s not really a winger but more of an attacking midfielder on the left side. The only way I see that working is if Rice moves to right midfield, Zubimendi plays in the 6 and Eze plays in left midfield. But wouldn’t all that reduce Nwaneri’s minutes.
If he plays as a left winger, he would need a fullback who can hold the width/ overlap so that he can play more centrally. But then we don’t have that kind of left back anymore since Tierney left.
It’s a head scratcher but Eze will definitely improve the squad one way or another if we get him.
He is definitely an attacking midfielder on the left side. He can be fairly effective in the left winger position depending on the situation but it is not even close to where he is at his best.
It’s amazing that we seem to have an abundance of riches coming into this season so that there are tactical issues with such a fine technical player being a part of the mix. Yet, I believe your last sentence really boils down the essence of the situation and even with some of the redundancies, it could be a massive boost.
This season will be the real test for MA imo even outside of the issue of whether or not he can get us over the line to win a major trophy.
I would say Eze does not fit into our tactical system – the central roles he’s most suited to are already well covered by our young and emerging players. So does not improve squad at all, just creates head scratching and tinkering of systems to shoehorn him in.
If we have got £65M for another signing, wait till January or save it for next summer. It might be £75M not £65M for player in January, but at least we will know exactly what we need come 2026.
Let Chelsea or Spurs rotate and bench Eze instead.
Or get another number 9/foxinthebox – younger one now as a project with some of the money. You can’t have too many 9’s in a squad and on the bench, now Yok is here we only have just the one currently fit – so that would be better use of the money than Eze.
Tactically, If Arsenal Could Sell One Of Trossard Or Martenelli, Then Get Rodrygo.
The Position Where Eze Is Likely To Play Is Already Occupied.
Arsenal Literally Does Not Need Eze.
My Opinion Though.