New Delhi: Arsenal’s last-minute move to steal Eberechi Eze from arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur has injected a new wave of excitement into the Gunners’ transfer window. Supporters already felt the club had been proactive with six signings worth close to £190m but the deal for the England international has elevated the mood.
So far, they have secured Viktor Gyokeres for £64m and Martin Zubimendi at around £60m. Yet it is the 27-year-old forward from Crystal Palace who is being viewed as the jewel of the window, not only because of his quality but also because Arsenal snatched him from under Tottenham’s nose.
As recently as Wednesday morning, it appeared Eze was destined to wear the Spurs shirt, with both clubs having agreed terms and the deal awaiting the final push. Palace’s Europa Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad complicated matters.
Manager Oliver Glasner had made it clear that he wanted his key man available until reinforcements were secured. Eze was described as “committed” to the club in his pre-match press conference, which only deepened Spurs’ confidence that he would stay put until the tie was over opening the door for Arsenal.
Instead of exploring a cheaper option in the loan market, Mikel Arteta chose to make a statement coup by signing Eze from their rivals. It was a ruthless signal of intent that this is the season Arsenal aim to finally lift the trophy after falling short for five consecutive years.
After Kai Havertz missed an open training session at the Emirates due to a knee issue and though extent wasn’t yet public but the club quickly assessed they needed to act. Injuries cost Arsenal dearly last season, and the hierarchy are determined not to let history repeat itself.
The connection was obvious as Eze had been in their academy as a boy and had supported the club growing up. By the evening, reports emerged that Arsenal had hijacked Spurs’ move. In truth, Tottenham never stood a chance once Eze was given the option of red over white.
Arsenal had admired Eze for a long time but hesitated, largely because they wanted to balance his role against the development of Ethan Nwaneri, who recently committed his future to the club. The Havertz injury opened the door.
As a result, Eze was subsequently absent from Palace’s Conference League tie, with Glasner stating he had called in “unwell”. Behind the scenes, his move to Arsenal was advancing rapidly, with all signs pointing to a full-circle return to the club that released him at 13.
Mikel Arteta has plenty of structured players but not many with Eze’s free-spirited edge. That unpredictability may be exactly what Arsenal need. Breaking down defensive blocks has often been a problem for the Gunners, particularly at home. With the team moving towards faster transitions and sharper passing through the lines, Eze provides a different tool to what Arsenal currently possess.
Eze can start on the left, drift centrally or partner Martin Ødegaard in matches where Arsenal want more attacking threat. Gabriel Martinelli struggled last season and remains under pressure to rediscover his consistency, which opens the door for the 27-year-old to make the left flank his own.
Tactically, his strengths are obvious- he carries the ball with authority, links quickly with teammates in tight spaces and has the vision to unlock transitions when games get stretched. He is a proven match-winner, as shown by his decisive goal against Manchester City in May’s FA Cup final. He also played a major role in Palace’s run to the final, demonstrating both temperament and talent for the big occasion as Palace lifted their first major trophy. With Gyokeres now leading the line, Eze’s ability to slip passes in behind could be invaluable.
But beyond tactics, Arsenal are signing a player who excites crowds. He plays to entertain, to get fans on their feet and that spirit fits the Emirates perfectly.
At Palace, Eze was a hero, scoring 40 goals and providing 28 assists. His connection with supporters and teammates means he leaves with goodwill, while his arrival at Arsenal brings instant credit in the bank.
Turning down Spurs to join the club he supported as a boy guarantees a warm welcome. He has often hinted at his admiration for Ian Wright, even wearing retro Palace shirts in celebratory posts. Now, he will hope to follow the same path Wright once walked from Selhurst Park favourite to Arsenal icon in the years ahead.
