The summer transfer window is in full swing, and with Arsenal aiming to push past last season’s Premier League heartbreak, manager Mikel Arteta is leaving no stone unturned. At the center of recent speculation is Eberechi Eze, the mercurial Crystal Palace playmaker, who has been widely tipped to be the missing piece on Arsenal’s vulnerable left flank. As Arteta refines his title-challenging squad, could Eze’s flair, creativity, and tactical flexibility be the key to unlocking defences and balancing Arsenal’s attacking blueprint?
Eze’s name has cropped up across transfer columns and pundit panels alike, with sources suggesting Arsenal may be willing to trigger his reported £60 million release clause. While it remains to be seen if the Gunners will go all in, one thing is certain: Eze is no longer just a rising star—he’s a proven Premier League asset ready for the next step.
This article explores why Eze is the ideal candidate to solve Arsenal’s left-wing conundrum, how he fits into Arteta’s evolving tactical system, the potential impact of such a signing, and what this move would mean for both clubs.
The Left-Wing Problem Arsenal’s Tactical Dilemma
While Arsenal boasted one of the most potent attacking forces in the Premier League last season—scoring 91 goals, second only to Manchester City—the left flank remained a positional puzzle.
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Gabriel Martinelli’s Inconsistency
Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli had a blistering 2022–23 campaign, but 2023–24 proved to be a much more uneven ride. A mix of injury niggles, confidence dips, and tactical mismatches saw his output drop significantly. Despite his work rate and pressing ability, Martinelli often struggled against low blocks, lacking the close control and unpredictability to break down compact defenses.
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Leandro Trossard Efficient but Not Elite
Leandro Trossard offered a respectable alternative with his clever movement and final-third IQ. Yet, he remains more of a utility forward than a locked-in starter. Trossard thrives as a super-sub or inverted winger who operates in pockets—but Arsenal need a true left-sided creator to stretch play and beat defenders in 1v1 situations.
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Kai Havertz Misfit on the Flank
Arteta tried using Kai Havertz as a drifting left-sided midfielder in certain setups, but the German international is more effective centrally or in a deeper hybrid role. Deploying him wide disrupts the attacking shape and removes his aerial and late-box threat.
Thus, Arsenal find themselves with a high-functioning system but an unbalanced front three. Unlike the right side, where Bukayo Saka is firmly established, the left-wing spot remains up for grabs—and Eberechi Eze might be the man to claim it.
Eberechi Eze A Profile in Brilliance
Since arriving at Crystal Palace from Queens Park Rangers in 2020 for around £17 million, Eze has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s most watchable talents.
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2023–24 Stats (Premier League)
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- Appearances: 29
- Goals: 11
- Assists: 5
- Key Passes Per Game: 2.1
- Dribbles Completed: 3.4 per game (3rd highest in PL)
- Pass Accuracy in Final Third: 85%
Eze’s combination of ball-carrying, creativity, set-piece threat, and positional intelligence make him a unique profile among English midfielders. What sets him apart is his ability to play across multiple roles—as a No. 10, a left-sided winger, or even a deeper playmaker. This versatility is music to Arteta’s ears.
Tactical Fit Why Eze Is Tailor-Made for Arsenal
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal operate in a fluid 4-3-3 or 3-2-5 system in possession, depending on the opposition. The left-sided attacking role is not merely about hugging the touchline—it requires:
- Close control under pressure
- Inverted runs into central zones
- Link-up play with midfield and full-back overlaps
- Creativity in tight areas
- Ball security in high-transition phases
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Eze’s Suitability
- Ball Retention & Progression
Eze ranks among the league’s elite in progressive carries and successful dribbles. He glides through midfield with deceptive speed and calmness, making him ideal against teams that sit deep. - Positional Flexibility
He can invert into the half-space, rotate centrally with Martin Ødegaard, and combine with Oleksandr Zinchenko or Jurrien Timber on the overlap—adding dynamic movement and unpredictability to Arsenal’s left triangle. - Press Resistance
Arsenal often face high-intensity pressing. Eze’s ability to escape pressure and turn defense into attack fits Arteta’s “total positional play” model, ensuring smoother transitions.
- End Product
With 16 goal involvements last season, Eze showed he’s more than a dribbler—he delivers. His left-footed curlers, driven passes, and composure inside the box would offer another reliable outlet. - Set-Piece Bonus
Arsenal lack a consistent threat from direct free-kicks. Eze’s accuracy and variety from dead-ball situations would fill this gap.
What This Means for Crystal Palace
Eze is the crown jewel of Crystal Palace’s post-Zaha era. Having signed a contract extension in late 2023, the club is under no immediate pressure to sell, but rumors of a release clause around £60 million have made top-six clubs sit up and take notice.
Palace have built around Eze alongside Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta. Losing him would be a major setback, especially if Olise also departs (with interest from Chelsea, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich). However, Palace may see this summer as the optimal time to cash in, reinvesting in a deeper, more balanced squad under Oliver Glasner.
“We want to build around him, but we also understand players have ambitions,” Glasner said coyly when asked about Eze’s future.
What the Move Means for Arsenal
If Arsenal do trigger Eze’s clause or negotiate a similar fee, it signals a clear shift in their recruitment policy: prioritize Premier League-proven stars entering their peak years.
Unlike previous windows focused on potential (e.g., Fabio Vieira, Lokonga), Eze would arrive as a ready-made starter, capable of affecting big games immediately.
This also aligns with Edu’s transfer strategy—targeting players with:
- Tactical intelligence
- Multi-role flexibility
- High resale value
- Homegrown status (Eze is English)
Arteta, too, has been vocal about squad evolution:
“We don’t want just depth—we want difference-makers. Players who can change games, not just fill spaces.”
Potential Risks and Concerns
While Eze is a spectacular talent, no transfer is risk-free. Here are a few considerations:
- Injury Record
He suffered an Achilles tendon injury in 2021, and although he’s since returned stronger, Arsenal’s medical team would need to assess durability. - Price Tag Pressure
At £60 million, expectations would be enormous. Arsenal fans will demand immediate impact, and any dip could lead to unfair criticism. - Martinelli’s Development
Signing Eze could marginalize Martinelli, a player still brimming with potential. Managing rotation and egos will be crucial. - System Adaptation
Eze has thrived in a free role at Palace. Arteta’s system is more structured—will Eze’s creativity flourish or be constrained?
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