Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal has been a long admirer of Crystal Palace and England attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze with several reports linking the midfielder with a switch to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
The Gunners are reportedly waiting to offload a few players before making an official bid for the pacy midfielder.
The Gunners have added Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres already to their squad with a few more signings still expected before the close of this summer transfer window.
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Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has weighed in on Arsenal’s interest in Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, and according to him, the North London club doesn’t need to sign the talented midfielder.
Speaking on his podcast, Ferdinand expressed his doubts about Eze’s potential role in the Arsenal team.
Ferdinand believes that Arsenal’s current midfield setup is strong enough, with Martin Zubimendi as a holding midfielder, Declan Rice on the left-hand side of the No.8, and Martin Odegaard on the right-hand side.
Eberechi Eze (Image credit: Getty Images)
With wingers like Noni Madueke or Gabriel Martinelli, Ferdinand questions where Eze would fit in. “Why do Arsenal need Eze? Where is he going to play?” he asked.
The Gunners are reportedly considering a move for Eze, whose £68 million release clause expired last week. However, Ferdinand thinks that Eze would only be a viable signing if he would play Declan Rice at the base of midfield. “He’d play where Declan Rice plays,” Ferdinand said, implying that Eze’s role would overlap with Rice’s.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Eze could remain at Crystal Palace beyond this summer transfer window.
The Eagles are said to be unwilling to let their key player leave unless they receive an offer that meets their valuation for the England international.