‘He was an Arsenal player just like Harry Kane’ – Mikel Arteta tipped to sign new England star
Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze would be “a good target” for Arsenal in the future with a deal unlikely this summer, according to one journalist.
The 24-year-old has been in brilliant form for the Eagles this season with Eze providing ten goals and four assists in 38 Premier League appearances this term, coming off the bench eight times.
Eze was released as a teenager from Arsenal with the Greenwich-born attacker spending time at Fulham, Reading and Millwall during his youth career before making his professional debut at QPR.
He made 112 appearances for QPR before Palace signed him for £17m in 2020 with the Premier League club now reaping the rewards of their investment.
Eze demonstrated just how far he has come this season by making his England debut from the bench in the Three Lions’ 4-0 win over Malta on Friday.
And Football.London journalist Charles Watts wouldn’t be surprised to see Arsenal interested in Eze in the near future after showing his ability in recent seasons.
Watts said on his own YouTube channel: “What a talent and what a player. I would have no qualms if Arsenal were in for Eze. I don’t think that is the case, at all, this summer.
“He is an absolutely fabulous player. He started his career at Arsenal. He was an Arsenal player. Arsenal was his first club and then he was released as a 13-year-old. Then went to Reading, Millwall, and he got released by Millwall as well when he was just 18.
“He had to fight his way up the hard way and take a lot of rejections in the past, including one from Arsenal. Now he has been brilliant and made his England debut, which is fantastic for him. Huge talent. He has been great at Crystal Palace, him and Michael Olise are two fantastic players and they are doing great for Palace.
“He should be a good target. I don’t mind at all with Arsenal being linked with Eze or really pushing for him. I don’t think it’s happening. He was an Arsenal player. He was there, just like Harry Kane.”
And, speaking in April, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand said he wouldn’t be surprised to see Arsenal wait “another year” before making their move for Eze.
The ex-Man Utd centre-back told his Five YouTube channel: “Smooth. If you’re talking about about one of the smoothest ballers in the game, in the Premier League right now, Eze’s up there. Mad player. He’s playing like he’s in the cage.”
Ferdinand added: “Just smooth, man. He doesn’t seem fazed either. Every situation you put him in, he’s just calm. And he’s in that position where he turns and faces up midfielders or defenders; he can go past people, slip people in and finish.”
“He’d be good at Arsenal, you know. In the [Granit] Xhaka position. Another year.”
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