Eberechi Eze remains a target for Arsenal this summer, as Andrea Berta continues to look to bolster Mikel Arteta’s squad before the new season commences.
Arsenal were impressive in their 3-0 win over Athletic Club on Saturday at the Emirates, with new signings Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres shining.
However, despite the summer additions making an impact and seemingly improving Arteta’s team, the Spaniard isn’t satisfied with how his squad looks.
The tactician wants to add a versatile left-sided creative player to his ranks, with Eze the primary option for the Gunners on the market.
Steve Parish responds to Eberechi Eze transfer question
Arsenal have been active in this transfer window.
The Gunners moved quickly and decisively to secure six players before their pre-season tour was over, spending almost £200 million in the process.
However, they’re yet to address the issues on the left-hand side of their attack, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard still the natural options on this side.
Arsenal can sign Eze this summer, although they need to sanction the departure of Trossard and possibly one other player first.
The North Londoners are eager to pay significantly less than Crystal Palace’s £68 million valuation of the England international, but the Eagles are said to be holding tight.
Eze played the full 90 minutes for Palace at Wembley in their Community Shield victory over Liverpool on Sunday, and after the game, the South London club’s co-owner, Steve Parish, was questioned about the player’s future.
“Yeah, listen, of course [keeping Eze and Marc Guehi is important],” Parish said.
“But players come and go in football clubs, you know, I mean it’s a life cycle isn’t it? You know, hopefully they’re still here. That’s what I’d like, but we’ll see.”
Eze impressed against Liverpool, carrying Palace forward on numerous occasions as they took the Premier League Champions to a penalty shootout.
Despite missing his spot kick, Arteta will no doubt have been enthused by what he saw from the 27-year-old.
Steve Parish’s comments are a good sign for Arsenal
Palace boss Oliver Glasner has publicly expressed his desire not to lose any players from his squad before the transfer window shuts.
However, the Austrian may ultimately be powerless regarding the Eze situation.
Eze wants to join Arsenal, and judging by Parish’s comments at Wembley, the Palace hierarchy aren’t averse to cashing in one of their prized assets.
| Eberechi Eze’s Premier League Statistics 2024/25 | |
| Appearances | 34 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 8 |
| Shots per 90 | 3.48 |
| Expected Goals per 90 | 0.36 |
| Key Passes per 90 | 2.01 |
| Expected Assists per 90 | 0.22 |
| Successful Take-ons per 90 | 2.33 |
Admitting that ‘players come and go’ and that ‘we’ll see’ certainly indicates that Parish is considering facilitating the creative midfielder’s departure.
While Palace won’t actively want to lose one of their best players, accepting an offer in excess of £50 million for a 27-year-old is the smart move to make.
The South Londoners don’t want to appear to block players’ moves, as this could prevent them from signing promising players in the future, while they’ll never get an opportunity to sell Eze for a fee close to what Arsenal could pay them this summer.
from Arsenal Transfer News | Rumours, Deals & Targets | Arsenal Insider
Alfie Cairns Culshaw