As the Premier League summer transfer window heats up, all eyes are on Eberechi Eze — the dynamic Crystal Palace winger who could be the key to revitalising Arsenal’s left-wing and their title ambitions. With Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle, and Manchester City all reportedly interested in the 26-year-old, the question on everyone’s lips is: could Eze be the game-changer Mikel Arteta needs to fix his squad’s glaring imbalance and push the Gunners to Premier League glory?

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Arsenal’s Left-Wing Problem

Arsenal’s search for a consistent, game-breaking talent on the left flank has been ongoing. The Gunners’ main target all summer appeared to be Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, a player with flair and proven quality in La Liga and Europe. Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli, once a promising force on the left, has struggled to fully develop into the consistent threat Arsenal had hoped for. Despite scoring eight goals last season, Martinelli’s performances have been erratic, and there’s speculation he could be on his way out of the Emirates.

In the meantime, Leandro Trossard has stepped up as a useful squad player but neither he nor Martinelli reliably deliver the kind of cutting-edge Arsenal needs to challenge Liverpool and Manchester City for the title. The Gunners’ attack has become lop-sided, heavily reliant on Bukayo Saka on the right, who has shouldered nearly half of all attacking play this past season before his injury. Arteta knows the left side must be sorted.

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Why Eze?

Eze’s qualities align perfectly with what Arsenal seek. The England international brings creativity, dribbling, and defensive work ethic—key ingredients in Arteta’s system. Last season, Eze was among the Premier League’s top players for successful take-ons, completing over half his dribbles, a success rate comparable to Rodrygo’s in Spain.

Beyond his attacking threat, Eze’s ball-winning ability is remarkable for an attacking player. He consistently recovers possession in midfield and defensive zones at a rate exceeding that of Martinelli, Trossard, and Rodrygo. This defensive contribution is vital for Arsenal’s possession-based style, which demands attackers to press and support defensively.

Raised and trained in London’s competitive youth football scene, Eze developed a tough, street-smart style: adept at controlling the ball under pressure, quick feet to beat defenders, and resilience to bounce back from physical challenges. This makes him well-suited to the Premier League’s intensity and physical demands — unlike some foreign signings who take time to adapt.

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Tactical Fit and Impact

Arsenal’s possession-heavy approach, while dominating games, has often struggled to break down compact, deep defensive blocks. Last season, the Gunners won only seven out of 17 games where they dominated possession, highlighting their difficulty in turning control into goals.

Here, Eze’s ability to operate in tight spaces and his flair for unlocking defenses could be a perfect fit. His creative instincts and dribbling ability would offer Arsenal the unpredictability they’ve lacked on the left, balancing the attack and lessening the load on Saka. This could help turn drawn matches into wins, crucial for a title push.

Eze’s contributions at Crystal Palace underline his capacity to deliver under pressure. His FA Cup-winning goal is a testament to his ability to perform on big stages. If he can replicate that influence at Arsenal, it could be a massive boost to Arteta’s ambitions.

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Financial and Strategic Considerations

From a business standpoint, Eze’s £60 million release clause makes him a more cost-effective option compared to Rodrygo’s €90 million (£76.9m) valuation. This price difference could be pivotal for Arsenal, allowing them to invest in other areas while strengthening the squad.

Additionally, Eze’s familiarity with English football removes a significant risk factor often associated with foreign signings. No adaptation period is required, which means he could hit the ground running at Arsenal.

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Challenges and Expectations

Despite the promise, questions remain about how far Eze can progress. He’s not expected to reach Saka’s elite level overnight, but Arsenal will demand immediate impact given their title ambitions. A slow start, similar to Eze’s four goal involvements before Christmas last season, might not be tolerated at the Emirates.

However, the talent and potential are undeniable. Eze has begun to shine on the international stage, recently impressing for England even in a disappointing defeat to Senegal. This upward trajectory hints at a player ready for the next big step.

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Conclusion

Eberechi Eze represents a tantalising solution to Arsenal’s long-standing left-wing problem. His blend of creativity, work rate, and Premier League experience fits neatly with Mikel Arteta’s tactical vision and the club’s ambition to close the gap on Liverpool and Manchester City.

Arsenal now face a critical decision: to pursue Eze with the determination needed to secure a player who could balance their attack and add a new dimension to their game. With Spurs, Newcastle, and Manchester City also circling, the race for Eze’s signature promises to be one of the summer’s most compelling transfer sagas.

If Arsenal can bring Eze to the Emirates, they may just have the missing piece needed to reignite their title challenge and transform their left wing into a genuine weapon for the 2025/26 Premier League season. The ball is now in Arsenal’s court — and so is Eze’s destiny.