Greg . 1 day ago

What Eberechi Eze could hand over to a misfiring Arsenal attack in the upcoming season

It's been quite the summer for Crystal Palace, and that's as much to do with UEFA's meddling as what's happening in terms of transfers.

Winning the FA Cup against Manchester City at Wembley support in May was arguably the greatest day in the Eagles' long history, and with a guaranteed spot in next season's Europa League to boot, Steve Parish and the board could look forward to some big paydays for the club over the next 12 months.

That was before the governing body poked its nose in and decided that multi-club ownership rules would see them demoted to the Conference League.

John Textor was a 43% shareholder at Palace but also heavily engaged at French club, Lyon, and that's against UEFA's rules, hence the demotion.

Palace's European woes could harm chances of keeping EzeTextor sold those shares for close to £190m to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson in order to assist the South Londoners in their European endeavours, but to date, UEFA haven't budged.

 With a hearing due shortly at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in which Palace will state their case, the wish is that the Selhurst Park outfit can be reinstated to European football's second-tier competition.

​In so doing, that may assist to persuade star man, and scorer of the winning goal against City in the cup final, Eberechi Eze, to stay put.

The England international has appreciated a fine run of create over the past 12-18 months, and as a result of his star continuing to shine, London rivals Arsenal have been making noises regarding bringing the player to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal unwilling to meet Palace's valuationAs of this moment, the Gunners have still not made a formal offer for Eze's services and would show up unwilling to match Palace's £68m release clause for the player.

All the while the transfer window remains open, the North Londoners can afford to play a waiting game; however, the Eagles don't need to sell and, in the meantime, can therefore work on persuading Eze that his future remains at the club.

The player is apparently open to a move to a club he served at academy level from age eight until being released at 13, and now, at 27, is in the peak years of his time as a professional.

But what would he hand over to an Arsenal side that's already chock-full of established names?Eze's versatility would be key for the GunnersA versatility to be able to play in a number of attacking or midfield positions would be an obvious acquire, as Eze could easily fill in for the likes of Bukayo Saka or Martin Odegaard were either harmed or just in need of a rest.

Happy to come in off both wings, the Palace man has also establish a home more centrally, and his ability to dictate play from wherever he is on the pitch was very much a contain of how the Eagles moved toward games last season.

Eberechi Eze Radar Graphic - Premier League 2024/25Opta by StatsPerformPalace largely relied on a 4-2-3-1 formation under Oliver Glasner with the occasional tweak, and though Arsenal generally play a 4-3-3 under Arteta, they too have switched to a 4-2-3-1 when needed.

Eze's ability to seamlessly suit into either formation and his creativity in possession will complement what Arteta already has in his squad, but it's his ability to score and assist that will certainly expand Arsenal's numbers.

Better goals return than the vast majority of Arsenal playersIn 2024/25, Declan Rice managed four goals in his 35 appearances in the Premier League, the same as Thomas Partey.

Odegaard possessed three from 30 English top-flight games, whilst Jorginho didn't register any in 15 appearances.

Eberechi Eze xG - Premier League 2024/25Opta by StatsPerformMikel Merino top-scored among Arsenal's midfielders with seven Premier League goals, though Arteta was ostensibly using him as a target man in the latter stages, and that's still three behind Eze's total of eight from his 34 games.

Only Kai Havertz from the entire Arsenal squad managed to pip the Palace man (nine goals), but if we factor in all competitions, then Eze's 14 goals and 12 assists really are an elite-level return.

Eberechi Eze Attacking Carries - Premier League 2024/25Opta by StatsPerformHis durability, which is often overlooked, is another facet of his all-round game which makes him a worthwhile purchase, and only five Arsenal players managed more than his 2,600 minutes played in the Premier League during 24/25.

Having lost Partey and Jorginho in the summer, it's clear that Arteta needs to hand over at least one more midfielder in before the transfer window closes.

Eze's freedom and joy are infectiousWith Martin Zubimendi having already put pen to paper along with fellow defensive midfielder Christian Norgaard, there is room for the type of player who can knit everything together.

A player that is adept at playing the killer ball - as those 12 assists in all competitions last season would evidence - as well as being able to move an attack forward despite being man-marked in the tightest of spaces.

Eberechi Eze quoteOpta by Stats PerformNot quite a maverick, Eze does play with something approaching a free spirit on the pitch, and his enjoyment is obvious and infectious.

Would Arteta anticipate a more disciplined player and really want to coach that out of him if Arsenal make their move?Ultimately, any decision will rest with the player, and if he makes it clear that he sees his future elsewhere, Palace will have little choice other than to accede to his wishes.

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