Arsenal have a big decision to make ahead of their clash with Chelsea and the rest of the season after Eberechi Eze promotion
Eberechi Eze could become Arsenal's new starting left winger this season
Eberechi Eze could become Arsenal's new starting left winger this season(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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The window is closed and Arsenal’s attack, which was a key aim to improve for the summer, sadly did not pan out as hoped. Gabriel Martinelli is expected to be announced imminently at Al Hilal in a £60million move.
Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard also left for Barcelona and Besiktas, respectively, bringing in just under £30million. Fabio Vieira also left for Hamburger SV for £7.7million while Ethan Nwaneri left on loan to Borussia Dortmund.
Five offensive players out the door, one, Christos Tzolis, was signed. It has left many asking questions about the decision-making and execution of the summer strategy, which has brought about this reality.
Eberechi Eze, football.london understands, was already in manager Mikel Arteta’s mind during the summer to be ahead of Martinelli in the pecking order. This was evidenced earlier on by the decision to start him away at Manchester City on the left, leaving both Martinelli and Trossard on the bench.
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Eze came off the bench for Tzolis at Aston Villa, and his introduction no doubt changed the game. That wasn’t to say he himself had a brilliant performance; there were both good and bad things he did, and he was definitely more effective than the man he replaced.
Matty Cash did a real job on Tzolis, and after two brilliant performances against Manchester City and Coventry City, this was a reality check for the £34million signing. With Chelsea up next on Sunday, Arteta has a dilemma.
Who of Eze or Tzolis is now the starting winger on the left for the weekend? Consider also the Gunners’ Champions League clash with Napoli four days later.
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It would be understandable that Eze starts one and Tzolis the other. At the Emirates, the England international might make more sense because of the momentum he takes into the game.
However, Chelsea’s attacking threat would instead lean into the Greek being preferred. Eze’s defensive contributions are not as prominent as Tzolis, and against Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto, it makes sense to lean into having the additional cover on the Gunners’ left.
In the January transfer window, Arsenal will again assess the options; however, their policy of not overspending well beyond their valuation of players is not expected to change.