Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side are preparing their first bid for one of their key summer targets.
The Gunners have been busy improving their side as they prepare for yet another Premier League title challenge.
Arguably one of the most crucial bits of business they have done so far this window is signing Viktor Gyökeres. It is hoped that Gyökeres will finally be the striker the club have been crying out for.
With that piece of the jigsaw finally in place, the Gunners are preparing their first offer for Crystal Palace and England man, Eberechi Eze.
Arsenal Transfer News: Eze Bid Being Prepared
FootballTransfers shared that Arsenal are preparing their opening offer of £52million to sign Eze. The deal will consist of £30m upfront and £22m in instalments over two years.
Previous indications from Palace suggest that they are expecting a fee of around £68m for Eze.
The bid is expected to be sent early next week, something backed up by Fabrizio Romano, who said: “Sources at Crystal Palace expect Arsenal to arrive for Eberechi Eze.”
Eze does have a release clause in his contract, which FootballTransfers have reported will expire at midnight on August 1st.
Eze on Top Form
Palace’s playmaker was in conciliating form for them last season. He played a crucial role as they won the FA Cup for the first time.
In the Premier League, he was just as influential. Eze received an average Sofascore rating of 7.28, the highest in the Palace squad.
With 16 goal contributions, eight goals and eight assists, Eze finished joint top with Jean-Philippe Mateta for goal contribution in the squad.
Creatively, his individual statistics were outstanding for Palace. He created 11 big chances, had 1.7 key passes per match, and a pass accuracy rate of 82% per match. Eze also had a dribble success rate of 52%, the highest in the team.
Where Would Eze Fit in at Arsenal?
Arsenal aren’t exactly lacking in the creative department. Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli out wide and Martin Odegaard in attacking midfield – where would Eze fit?
He’s certainly not an ‘out-and-out‘ winger, but he can play there. It’s a role we’ve seen him do for England before, but it’s not his best position. According to Transfermarkt, he’s played 80 club games from the left.
Playing in an attacking midfield role, he’s scored 35 goals in 142 games, picking up 21 assists as well. This is the position he shines at, but with Odegaard already there, it poses an intriguing question.
Odegaard could drop deeper, allowing Eze to play behind the striker. However, that would mean Arsenal lose one of their more natural holding midfielders.
If Eze does make the switch to Arsenal, it will be interesting to see where he slots into the side.
