Arsenal might effectively have romped to a 5-0 win over Leeds United on Saturday night, marquee summer time signing Viktor Gyokeres scoring twice, however arguably, the highlight was taken away from that efficiency.
Why? Nicely, 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 by which a deal occurred.
In midweek, it appeared as if the England worldwide was destined to signal for Spurs. A charge had been agreed and as soon as Crystal Palace’s Convention League tie had taken place, he was set to go to north London.
Eze did certainly head to north London nevertheless it was Arsenal he signed for as an alternative. The Athletic reveal {that a} telephone name between the playmaker and Mikel Arteta on Wednesday turned the tide and by the night, every little thing 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 an entire wave of gamers could possibly 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 go away, then studies counsel a alternative could possibly be introduced in.
That is in accordance 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 transferring to Arsenal given he’d must compete with William Saliba and Gabriel for a spot within the staff. Not very best in a World Cup yr, it have to be stated.
Liverpool have been main the race for Guehi’s signature this summer time with a deal mooted at round £45m.
An incredible Eze repeat
Have you ever ever seen a deal unite the fanbase greater than Eze? We’re struggling to think about 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? Nicely, again when he was simply 13, Eze was launched by Arsenal, a second that left him in tears as he struggled to coach.
This can be a comeback story, it is a story of redemption, a personality arc we very not often see in soccer. Eze has gone away, carried out the onerous yards by way of the likes of QPR and Wycombe Wanderers. His dream, nonetheless, is now fulfilled. He at all times wished Arsenal. This transfer was a no brainer.
The plain emotional connection is a giant 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 onerous 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 could be a really related signing. Not simply would the Gunners be hijacking Liverpool’s bid for the defender however he is a Premier League-proven star, somebody who could be nothing however a hit.
|
Eze’s Crystal Palace profession |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Season |
Video games |
Targets |
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 a lot of years now, Guehi was notably described as “England’s finest participant” by some on the European Championships final summer time and since then he is solely gone from energy to energy.
Dubbed a “monster in defence” by Palace reporter Bobby Manzi, the centre-back is a pure chief having captained the aspect to duel FA Cup and Neighborhood Protect wins in latest months.
It is uncommon a possibility comes alongside to signal a longtime England worldwide however within the area of only a few 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 could be fairly one thing.
One would possibly 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 time. He seems like the proper mixture of Gabriel and Saliba.
Nevertheless, if Kiwior does go, Arteta is aware of he wants a giant squad after an damage riddled 2024/25. Guehi could be the proper signing, sealed in Eze-esque vogue. How about that?
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