Arsenal’s summer transfer business is not done yet with Eze Eberechi still firmly on the club’s radar.
Talks to bring the Crystal Palace star across the capital to north London have slowed somewhat in recent weeks with focus on getting a deal for Viktor Gyokeres over the line and tying Ethan Nwaneri down to a new long-term contract.
Even with the signing of Noni Madueke, there is a need for another creative spark in Mikel Arteta side.
Martin Odegaard, so often Arsenal’s chief creator, endured a difficult 2024-25 campaign after returning from the ankle injury that sidelined him for three months.
The club captain’s waning influence was an unavoidable factor in another failed title bid and heightened the need for another option if Arsenal are to go toe-to-toe with Liverpool next season.
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Eze is coming off an outstanding season in south east London and with a World Cup year ahead of him, faces a huge decision on his club future.
Arsenal could be his next destination. Rather than a replacement for Odegaard, Eze could be the perfect alternative.
Odegaard still a creative threat
There was fair and legitimate concern for Odegaard last season. Far too often, his performances did not pass the eye test and his numbers compared to the 2023-24 season illustrate concerns that only grew as last season wore on.
Eze on the other hand enjoyed his best season to date with Palace. His haul of 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions represented a better return than any Arsenal player in those departments, eclipsing Kai Havertz’s haul of nine goals and Bukayo Saka’s 10 assists.
Eze created 57 chances for his Palace teammates last season, more than Kevin de Bruyne, Luis Diaz, Anthony Gordon and Matheus Cunha among others.
Despite his indifferent form however, only seven players created more chanced than Odegaard (57) last season with the skipper also top of Arsenal’s charts for that metric, clear of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.
While it was a huge drop off from the 102 he created in the 2023-24 season, it is still good enough for a top eight spot across the Premier League.
Eze can step in for shot-shy Odegaard
Odegaard has so often been one of Arsenal’s cleanest strikers of the ball. While he did rediscover his range against Southampton on the final day of the season, he was too often guilty of passing up the opportunity to test the goalkeeper whether it be from distance or inside the box. A tally of 49 shots with 17 on target (a conversation rate on 6.12 per cent) tells its own story.
It is not something that fazes Eze. Only five players attempted more shots on goal than the 26-year-old (101) during the 2024-25 campaign.
Whether it can be attributed to Arteta’s tactical instructions, Arsenal rank low for shots on goal across the board with Eze’s 29 efforts on target last season a better return than anyone in the red half of north London.
Eze also ranks high for combined shots and chances created last term with only Bruno Fernandes, Mohamed Salah, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka and Erling Haaland averaging higher per 90 than Eze’s 5.6.
His wonderful long-range strikes against Fulham and Aston Villa in the FA Cup demonstrated his willingness to test the goalkeeper from range – with his winning goal in the final against Manchester City showing how dangerous he is breaking into the box.
Hard-working Eze perfect for Arteta
While Eze’s arrival would ease the creative burden on Odegaard and add much-needed goals to the Arsenal midfield, there is another reason why Arteta holds him in such high regard.
With so much of Arsenal’s game built on structure and discipline, Eze offers somewhat of a release, a flamboyant outlet who brings something different from recent midfielders brought to the club in Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi.
Eze also measures high in the defensive metrics that will be most pleasing to the Arsenal boss. The Palace star was successful in 157 ground duels last season, comfortably more than any one in the Arsenal squad.
His possession won stats are also impressive with his tally of 146 only bettered by William Saliba and Declan Rice. While one of the most eye-catching players in the top flight, Eze is not afraid to get his hands dirty.
Final piece of the puzzle?
Arsenal have strengthened across the board this summer with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mikkel Damsgaard, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke in place.
Valencia centre-half Cristhian Mosquera is also on the way while a deal for Viktor Gyokeres appears to be within touching distance.
Arsenal know what they have to do to sign Eze – Palace have stood firm on their £68million release clause and any deal will hinge on the Gunners coughing up that cash.