Arsenal could properly have romped to a 5-0 win over Leeds United on Saturday night, marquee summer season signing Viktor Gyokeres scoring twice, however arguably, the highlight was taken away from that efficiency.
Why? Properly, earlier than a ball was kicked on the Emirates Stadium, Eberechi Eze was formally introduced as a brand new Arsenal participant.
Eze walked down the tunnel and stepped onto the turf, donning his new shirt which learn Eze 10.
What a second, what a signing that is, not least due to the standard Eze possesses however the circumstances through which a deal occurred.
In midweek, it regarded as if the England worldwide was destined to signal for Spurs. A price had been agreed and as soon as Crystal Palace’s Convention League tie had taken place, he was set to move to north London.
Eze did certainly head to north London however it was Arsenal he signed for as a substitute. The Athletic reveal {that a} cellphone name between the playmaker and Mikel Arteta on Wednesday turned the tide and by the night, all the things had been sewn up.
So, what’s subsequent, if something for the Gunners?
Arsenal’s remaining switch plans
With the Eze deal sewn up, consideration will flip to participant exits on the Emirates. Earlier than the window slams shut on 1st September a complete wave of gamers may very well be heading for the exit door.
Polish defender Jakub Kiwior continues to be linked with a transfer away, as does Reiss Nelson. You sense they’re two of essentially the most expendable property proper now.
If Kiwior does depart, then reviews recommend a substitute may very well be introduced in.
That is in line with membership insider Hand of Arsenal, who reported on Saturday that Kiwior remains to be “insisting” on leaving the membership behind.
Consequently, discussions have been held behind the scenes about signing Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi in a late deal.
That being stated, Guehi has reservations about shifting to Arsenal given he’d need to compete with William Saliba and Gabriel for a spot within the staff. Not perfect in a World Cup yr, it should be stated.
Liverpool have been main the race for Guehi’s signature this summer season with a deal mooted at round £45m.
A tremendous Eze repeat
Have you ever ever seen a deal unite the fanbase greater than Eze? We’re struggling to consider many examples, such is the rarity of the occasion, however Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are maybe two examples that spring to thoughts.
So, why is there a lot fuss? Properly, again when he was simply 13, Eze was launched by Arsenal, a second that left him in tears as he struggled to coach.
It is a comeback story, it is a story of redemption, a personality arc we very hardly ever see in soccer. Eze has gone away, carried out the laborious yards by way of the likes of QPR and Wycombe Wanderers. His dream, nonetheless, is now fulfilled. He at all times needed Arsenal. This transfer was a no brainer.
The plain emotional connection is an enormous issue right here however plainly, the attacker is a phenomental expertise. Just like the Declan Rice transfer two years in the past, he is confirmed Premier League high quality. As Gary Neville as soon as stated, “this was the banker”.
Whereas success isn’t guranteed in life, it is laborious to see a world the place Eze is not a rip-roaring success. Simply final season, he was on fireplace in an Eagles shirt, scoring 14 and aiding 11 in all competitions.
Membership allegiances apart, buying Guehi can be a really comparable signing. Not simply would the Gunners be hijacking Liverpool’s bid for the defender however he is a Premier League-proven star, somebody who can be nothing however successful.
Eze’s Crystal Palace profession | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Season | Video games | Objectives | Assists |
2024/25 | 43 | 14 | 11 |
2023/24 | 31 | 11 | 6 |
2022/23 | 40 | 10 | 4 |
2021/22 | 19 | 1 | 1 |
2020/21 | 36 | 3 | 6 |
Stats by way of Transfermarkt. | |||
Starring alongside Eze for numerous years now, Guehi was notably described as “England’s finest participant” by some on the European Championships final summer season and since then he is solely gone from power to power.
Dubbed a “monster in defence” by Palace reporter Bobby Manzi, the centre-back is a pure chief having captained the facet to duel FA Cup and Group Protect wins in current months.
It is uncommon a chance comes alongside to signal a longtime England worldwide however within the house of just some days right here, Arsenal might spring a shock and seize two of them.
If the Rice transfer two years in the past was mega, then getting offers throughout the road for Eze and Guehi can be fairly one thing.
One may argue that Arsenal do not essentially want a brand new defender. We hear that view level. The Gunners have added Cristhian Mosquera to their ranks over the summer season. He appears like the right mixture of Gabriel and Saliba.
Nevertheless, if Kiwior does go, Arteta is aware of he wants an enormous squad after an damage riddled 2024/25. Guehi can be the right signing, sealed in Eze-esque trend. How about that?
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