The honeymoon period for Eberechi Eze at Arsenal appears to be over, at least statistically, but the club is standing firm in its belief that the £67.5 million summer signing will ultimately justify his price tag. Despite a recent dip in form and a diminished role in Mikel Arteta’s starting eleven, Arsenal has no plans to move on from the attacking midfielder this summer, according to sources within the club.
Eze’s arrival from Crystal Palace last summer was heralded as a coup for the Gunners, particularly as they had edged out Tottenham Hotspur for his signature. Early returns were promising. He registered two assists in his first three Premier League appearances and followed that up with a crucial winning goal against his former club, Crystal Palace. A standout moment came in late November when Eze notched a hat-trick in the North London Derby against Tottenham, a 4-1 victory that sent a clear message to their rivals.
However, the goals and assists have dried up dramatically since then. In the three months following his hat-trick heroics, Eze has failed to register a single goal or assist in the Premier League. This slump in form has coincided with a decline in Arteta’s pecking order, culminating in four consecutive league games where Eze was an unused substitute around the turn of the year. His only league start in the last two months came against Brentford, where he was substituted at halftime – a clear indication of Arteta’s frustration.
The dramatic shift in Eze’s fortunes has naturally raised questions about Arteta’s management of the player and his long-term future at the Emirates Stadium. The recent substitution against Brentford, in particular, was a stark illustration of his current standing. Yet, despite the mounting concerns, Arsenal remains resolute in its commitment to Eze.
“Arsenal will not entertain the idea of letting Eberechi Eze leave under any circumstances this summer,” stated Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider. “Mikel Arteta still has ‘big plans’ for the attacking midfielder at the Emirates Stadium, and the player himself also feels that he still has a key role to play within the Gunners’ squad.”
The club’s stance suggests a belief that Eze’s struggles are a temporary setback, potentially stemming from the challenges of adapting to a new club, new teammates, and a new tactical system. Arteta reportedly believes that Eze possesses the talent and potential to become a key component of Arsenal’s attack, and the club is willing to be patient as he adjusts.
This commitment is particularly noteworthy given Arsenal’s significant investment in new players last summer, exceeding £250 million. The Gunners are currently competing on multiple fronts – challenging for the Premier League title, progressing in the Champions League, and reaching the League Cup final and FA Cup fifth round – demonstrating the success of Arteta’s squad building. While some summer signings haven’t immediately lived up to expectations, the club appears determined to give Eze the time and opportunity to prove his worth.
Eze has contributed five goals and three assists in 33 appearances across all competitions this season, but the recent lack of goal contributions is a clear concern. He went 15 matches without a goal or assist before providing two assists in the recent FA Cup win against Wigan, a performance that served as a reminder of his creative capabilities.
At 27 years old, Eze is considered a signing for the present rather than the future, adding to the pressure to perform. The club’s decision to stand by him, despite his recent struggles, underscores their belief in his long-term potential. It’s a testament to Arteta’s faith in the player and a willingness to prioritize patience over immediate results.
The situation highlights the complexities of modern football transfers and the challenges of integrating high-profile signings into a new team. While consistency has been an issue for Eze, Arsenal remains optimistic that he can rediscover his form and become a valuable asset in their pursuit of silverware. The club’s unwavering support suggests they are prepared to weather the storm and give Eze the opportunity to fulfill his promise.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are reportedly considering their options regarding Riccardo Calafiori, the Italy international who has been plagued by injuries since joining from Bologna in 2024. Calafiori has missed 41 matches for both club and country, leading the club to weigh up a potential sale this summer.
The focus, however, remains firmly on Eze. With Arteta’s backing and the player’s own determination, Arsenal are hoping that the £67.5 million investment will ultimately pay dividends.
