Arsenal’s attacking talent, Eberechi Eze, has sent ripples through the footballing world with his latest revelation. The former Crystal Palace winger disclosed that he was on the brink of crossing the North London divide, nearly signing for Tottenham Hotspur, before Arsenal swooped in to secure his services during the summer transfer window.
Acquired for a fee of £60 million, supplemented by potential add-ons amounting to £7.5 million, Eze has yet to cement a regular starting position under Mikel Arteta at the Emirates. So far, the England international has registered one goal and two assists in ten appearances across all competitions but has only been named in the starting XI for four Premier League fixtures.
Eze, who celebrated his first senior Arsenal appearance as a dream fulfilled, admitted the allure of representing his boyhood club was simply irresistible. “I was prepared to go to Tottenham, but from the moment Arsenal came, it was always going to be them,” Eze remarked ahead of a eagerly anticipated match against his former club, Crystal Palace. “Playing for Arsenal from eight to 13, it’s been in the back of my mind wanting to go back.”
As Arsenal prepare to host Crystal Palace this Sunday, Arteta is looking to Eze to help the team bounce back from the previous season’s 2-2 home draw against the Eagles. The Spaniard stressed the importance of the fixture, recalling last season’s dropped points and highlighting Eze’s unique emotional ties to his former club.
“Ebs will feel something special facing Palace, where he has so many close relationships. But his focus will be unwavering, and he’ll be ready to contribute to the team,” said Arteta.
The Gunners, sitting confidently atop the Premier League, enter the match with high expectations. Arsenal legend Paul Merson predicts another breeze for Arsenal, confidently backing the league leaders to prevail against Palace and maintain their pole position.
As Arsenal eye another domestic triumph and continue their push in Europe, they seem well poised for success, boasting a favourable upcoming fixture list devoid of encounters against powerhouses Manchester City or Liverpool until the New Year.
Arsenal’s title charge feels promising, with the likes of Declan Rice earning plaudits for his commanding displays in the heart of midfield. Merson showers praise on Rice, highlighting his influence as unparalleled among Premier League midfielders for his all-round contributions to the game.
Set for a thrilling encounter against Crystal Palace, Arsenal will be hoping to further strengthen their grip on the title race with a commanding performance this weekend. Merson’s predicted outcome? A confident 2-0 victory in favour of the Gunners.