Between now and deadline day, Arsenal fans will be hoping the club can land Eberechi Eze.
Despite Mikel Arteta’s side being significantly strengthened by six high-quality signings, there is still a feeling that something is missing. Many believe the Gunners need another creative outlet, someone with the X-factor to help solve last season’s biggest weakness – breaking down low blocks.
Eze’s ability to receive, turn, combine and carry the ball comfortably inside compact defences is exactly what Arsenal have lacked. The club reportedly have a figure in mind to tempt Crystal Palace into selling their midfield maverick, but it is said to fall well short of the premium fee Palace would demand for their number 10.
While Arsenal look to raise funds to pursue the deal, their noisy neighbours Tottenham Hotspur have forced themselves into the conversation. But just as Arsenal were hoping to beat Spurs to the signing, Theo Walcott has thrown a spanner in the works.
Walcott’s advice to Eze
Rather than encouraging the 27-year-old to move to the Emirates, the ex-Arsenal fan favourite has urged him to stay put at Selhurst Park. Walcott argues that remaining with the Eagles gives Eze a better chance of making England’s World Cup squad.
“I think the big thing we have got to look at is the World Cup year,” Walcott told the It’s Called Soccer podcast.
“The good thing about Eze’s situation is that he can play every week at Palace. He has that maverick quality and accepts making and taking those risks.
“I think he’s a player who can take those risks at Palace,” Walcott added.
“I don’t think he’ll get that at Arsenal. But if he has a really good season with Palace, he’ll go to the World Cup, I’m pretty sure of that. Then what teams will look at him after that?
“If I were Eze, I’d probably stay put – just because it’s a World Cup year. If it wasn’t, I’d move on.”
Is Arsenal still the better place to be?
While Walcott’s logic makes sense, especially given where Eze might fit at Arsenal with top players already in his position, would he not still have a better shot at making the World Cup squad at the Emirates?
Eze has openly admitted he dreams of playing for Arsenal, and at 27, this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As good as he has been, he should be ready to fight for a spot in Mikel Arteta’s team now. Next year could be too late.
With Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri coming through, and the World Cup acting as a showcase for emerging talent, would Arsenal still want Eze next summer? As Ollie Watkins and Dusan Vlahovic have learned, when Arsenal come calling, you need to be ready to make the move. Miss the train, and it may not come again.
Do you agree with Theo Walcott?
Or is it all guns blazing for Eze to Arsenal for you?
Daniel O
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With Nwaneri having now signed a new contract and likely getting more playing time I think our interest in Eze is finished.
GB,
I’m beginning to wonder if there was any genuine interest in the first place!.
I tend to agree with you DEREK.
Yet it’s been reported that personal terms have been agreed GB and neither our club or the player have denied this.
I believe the two clubs are haggling over the terms of payment and the price itself – the danger being that our noisy neighbours might just capitulate to the demands of Palace.
Walcott decision making is in question again, Eze has the ability to force himself in any premier league starting eleven.
This could well provide the opportunity for the former Arsenal Academy player to explode on the other level
I think Eze is a wonderful player but he looks like he’s lost quite a bit of speed in the last year and could be a defensive liability
I would be happy if he arrives at the Emirates but I’m not too sure it’s going to happen with Madueke here now, Nwaneri signing while still having Martinelli and Trossard
This “will he, won’t he” saga – based on very little hard evidence that I’ve seen – has been dragging on forever (or it seems like it) and still nothing has happened, or looks like happening.
If there had been a payment to Arsenal for every media report over the weeks/months that Eze was “on the verge”, “very close to” etc. joining Arsenal, we could probably have put down a deposit on him by now!
Bertie,
👏👍
Yeah, Walcott tells him to forget about his big move and his large pay rise, along with all his millions of extra fans, stay at Palace and be forgotten, just so you can probably sit on the bench for a World Cup. Great advice, Theo. It annoys me when people act like the international game is the priority