Arsenal legend Thierry Henry
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has hailed the club’s £68 million capture of Eberechi Eze, urging the former Crystal Palace star to “make it count” after completing his move to the Emirates Stadium.
Eze was officially unveiled to supporters on Saturday ahead of Arsenal’s 5-0 demolition of Leeds United, becoming Mikel Arteta’s seventh signing of the summer. The Gunners hijacked the deal from rivals Tottenham, who had been frontrunners for the England international, before sealing an agreement with Palace late last week.
Henry, who won two Premier League titles with Arsenal, welcomed the 27-year-old in an emotional message shared via the club’s official channels.
READ MORE: Bukayo Saka ruled out for weeks in major hamstring blow to Arsenal
“First and foremost, welcome to The Arsenal,” Henry said. “You don’t understand how happy we all are. We all know how much you wanted to play for this club and wear the cannon at the Emirates. There you go – it’s not a dream anymore, it’s reality. Make sure you make it count.
“Remember, when I first arrived at Arsenal, I was told it is a club that has class, a family club, and you must fight no matter what. All the very best – I’m so happy. Come on The Arsenal!”
💬 “It’s not a dream anymore, it’s not a utopia. That has become reality.” @IanWright0 surprises Ebere with a personal message from an Arsenal icon 👀
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 24, 2025
Reacting to the message, Eze admitted he was humbled by Henry’s words: “He’s got a statue outside, bro. You know what? When you use words, you can ruin something. This is a feeling, man. It’s powerful.”
Eze could make his debut next weekend in a blockbuster clash against reigning champions Liverpool at Anfield.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Speaking after the signing, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta described Eze as “a powerful and exciting player” who will bring “a new dimension” to the team’s attack.
“What stands out just as much as his talent and intelligence as a player is the way he has worked hard throughout his career to get where he is today,” Arteta said. “His journey, his mentality and his ambition are exactly what we want in our team, and we love how much it means to him and his family to be joining our club.”
Sporting director Andrea Berta echoed Arteta’s delight, calling Eze “a creative and explosive talent with huge technical quality” and “a big-game player.”
Arsenal’s strong start to the season has raised hopes of finally ending their two-decade wait for a Premier League title. After defeating Manchester United and thrashing Leeds, the Gunners sit top of the table, with their new £68m signing now set to play a key role in their push for glory.
NEXT ARTICLE: Max Dowman makes bold promise after Arsenal debut against Leeds