Arsenal are preparing for their opening game of the Premier League season as they travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United.
It is a tough start to the campaign for Mikel Arteta’s side given Ruben Amorim’s new-look strike force that will be keen to make an instant impact.
Arsenal are still busy in the transfer market themselves and player sales have become the priority as Leandro Trossard looks set to leave this summer.
If the Gunners can move on the likes of Fabio Vieira and Oleksandr Zinchenko, they may have scope for one more attacking talent. However, Ethan Nwaneri has prevented a bid for a player they have had long-term interest in.
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Ethan Nwaneri preventing Arsenal bid for Eberechi Eze
Speaking on the latest episode of the ‘Market Madness’ podcast, journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that Nwaneri is part of the reason why the Gunners are yet to make a bid for Eberechi Eze.
Eze’s ‘dream’ is to play for Arsenal and there have been links with the Crystal Palace man all summer as Arteta has identified him as a player that could be the missing link to his attacking line up.
However, Spurs are in talks for Eze and if Arsenal do not make a move soon, the 27-year-old could end up the other side of North London.
When asked about Arsenal’s interest in Eze, Jacobs stated: “And then as for Arsenal, we can still say they’re active on Eze, but they haven’t bid.
“And one of the reasons why is because there’s a feeling within Arsenal that Ethan Nwaneri can play at number 10.”
There is a sense among some supporters that Eze doesn’t quite fit into Arteta’s system at Arsenal, however, it is clear that a player with as much creativity as the England international is required.
It may not be Eze that comes through the door but Arteta knows that he needs one more attacking talent that can really give his side that spark in the final third.
How Ethan Nwaneri and Eberechi Eze compared last season
Nwaneri was delighted to sign a new contract at Arsenal and there are high hopes for the Hale End graduate to really make his mark in the first-team this season.
With Eze’s best position being as a number ten and Nwaneri being ear-marked to compete with Martin Odegaard for that role, it is no wonder that Arsenal are stalling on a move for the Crystal Palace star.
| Key statistics last season (per 90 mins) | Nwaneri | Eze |
| Progressive passes | 3.33 | 3.37 |
| Progressive carries | 4.65 | 2.4 |
| Shots on target accuracy | 37.5 | 27% |
| Goal creating actions | 0.3 | 0.35 |
Whilst there wasn’t much to choose between the two players, Arteta may feel that he is better off spending any money generated from player sales on an out and out left-winger.
Rodrygo from Real Madrid has been heavily linked with the club, whilst there is also long-term interest in Rafael Leao from AC Milan.
from Arsenal Transfer News | Rumours, Deals & Targets | Arsenal Insider
George Light