Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hailed new signing Eberechi Eze as a player capable of producing “magic moments” that can elevate the Gunners to new heights.
The England international was officially unveiled to the Emirates crowd on Saturday before Arsenal cruised to a 5-0 victory over Leeds United, a result that sent them top of the Premier League table early in the season.
Eze, 27, joined Arsenal on a four-year deal worth up to £68 million, after the club hijacked his proposed move to north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Though he did not feature against Leeds, his debut could come as soon as next weekend when the Gunners visit defending champions Liverpool at Anfield, especially with Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard picking up injuries in the Leeds clash.
“He has the capacity to create these magic moments,” Arteta said after the game.
“He can do it from different positions, different situations. He’s got that flair, that charisma, and it’s contagious. His talent is unquestionable, and his personality is unbelievable. He can play as a No.10, off the right, off the left, he doesn’t mind. What you saw before the match meant the world to him, and I’m delighted he’s here.”
Eze becomes Arsenal’s seventh signing of a busy summer, joining Viktor Gyökeres, Cristhian Mosquera, Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Nørgaard, and Noni Madueke in a window where the club has spent around £250 million.
The midfielder returns to his boyhood club on the back of a historic campaign with Crystal Palace, where he sealed his place in Eagles history by scoring the winner in their FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City, the club’s first-ever major trophy.
Arsenal, who have finished runners-up in each of the past three Premier League seasons, are determined to finally end a 22-year wait for the title. Arteta believes the squad is now far better equipped for the challenge, despite early injury concerns.
Saka and Ødegaard both face scans after suffering hamstring and shoulder problems respectively. The pair endured long layoffs last season, which ultimately derailed Arsenal’s title charge.
Reflecting on the situation, Arteta said:
“You just have to see the number of minutes our players had last season, it was relentless. We were stretched because of injuries, and now it hasn’t started well in that sense. But this year, we’re much more equipped. If you want to compete at the very top and dominate, there is no other option.”
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