Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze believes that his fellow New Balance athlete and teammate Bukayo Saka is so sharp-minded that he could easily excel at a completely different game – chess.

Speaking exclusively to FourFourTwo ahead of the UEFA Champions League final, the Arsenal midfielder shared insights into his season and his off-field interests.

Eze has enjoyed an exceptional first campaign since returning to his boyhood club, helping Arsenal secure the Premier League title and earning a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Known for his love of chess, Eze once faced world champion Magnus Carlsen in a match arranged by New Balance. We asked him which of his teammates he thinks could make the switch from football to chess.

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“Playing against Magnus Carlsen was such a cool experience,” Eze says. “We had one proper game off-camera, and honestly, it was over so fast. I thought I’d put up a better fight, but once you see the level those guys operate at, you realise it’s not even close.”

He adds with a laugh, “I did learn a lot, though. He gave me some great advice that I’m now using to beat my mates!”

While chess isn’t a regular pastime at Arsenal’s London Colney training ground, the England international believes Bukayo Saka has the best potential among his teammates to become a chess master.

“I think if Bukayo took the time to really practice, he’d be a tough opponent because he’s smart and very competitive,” Eze explains.

He continues, “Noni Madueke too, but probably Bukayo more. He’s got the right mindset for chess – calm, methodical, and a great decision-maker. I think he’d be really good at it.”

Eze says that his partnership with New Balance “felt like a fresh opportunity”, and that the brand’s emphasis on community engagement aligns perfectly with his own journey from the lower leagues to becoming a Premier League winner.

“Yeah, I’d say it really fits my story, my journey, and where I’ve come from,” the Arsenal star reflects.

“From the very beginning, we were on the same page. The vision they had for me and the projects we discussed made it clear that this was something that would work well and last a long time.”

He concludes, “It’s been a special journey, no doubt.”