Eberechi Eze was officially introduced to the Emirates Stadium faithful just before Arsenal’s emphatic 5-0 win over Leeds, a result that briefly lifted the Gunners to the top of the Premier League in the early stages of the season.
The England international completed a four-year deal worth up to £68 million ($92 million), with Arsenal swooping in to beat north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who had been close to securing his signature.
Although the 27-year-old was not registered in time to feature against Leeds, his first appearance could come much sooner than expected. With Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard both sustaining injuries in that victory, Eze may be handed his Arsenal debut away at Anfield next weekend against reigning champions Liverpool.
Manager Mikel Arteta spoke highly of his new signing, praising Eze’s creativity and versatility. “He has the ability to produce magical moments from different areas of the pitch,” Arteta said. “His flair and charisma are infectious, and his quality is unquestionable. He brings experience in the league, a brilliant personality, and he can adapt across several positions — as an attacking midfielder or out wide. Watching him step onto the pitch before the game showed how much this means to him, and I’m delighted he’s here.”
Eze is Arsenal’s seventh addition of a busy summer transfer window in which the club has invested around £250 million. He joins Viktor Gyökeres, Cristhian Mosquera, Martín Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Nørgaard, and Noni Madueke as part of the club’s ambitious recruitment drive.
For the past three seasons, Arsenal have finished runners-up in the Premier League, narrowly missing out on the title. The club’s last piece of silverware came five years ago, and it has now been 22 years since they last lifted the league trophy. Eze’s arrival is a further signal of intent that the Gunners are determined to change that narrative.
The move also marks an emotional return for Eze, who was once part of Arsenal’s youth setup before finding his breakthrough elsewhere. He leaves Crystal Palace with legendary status, having scored the decisive goal in their FA Cup triumph over Manchester City in May, delivering the Eagles their first-ever major trophy.
Meanwhile, the fitness of Saka and Ødegaard remains a concern. Saka, who previously missed three-and-a-half months last season after hamstring surgery, limped off with a fresh injury to his other leg. Ødegaard, who was sidelined for 12 matches last season with ankle trouble, also picked up a knock to his shoulder. Both players will undergo scans to determine the extent of the damage.
Arteta acknowledged the challenges of squad rotation, stressing the importance of depth. “Last season injuries forced us into difficult situations,” he noted. “This year we are far better prepared, and that’s essential. If you want to compete at the very top and be dominant, there is no other way.”
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