Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has backed new signing Eberechi Eze to deliver “magic moments” and elevate the club’s title ambitions after the midfielder completed a £68 million move from Crystal Palace.
The England international, unveiled at the Emirates before Arsenal’s 5-0 victory over Leeds on Saturday, penned a four-year contract after the Gunners hijacked a proposed transfer to north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Although the 27-year-old did not feature against Leeds, injuries to Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard could see him make his debut against champions Liverpool at Anfield next Sunday.
“He has the capacity to create these magic moments,” Arteta said. “He’s got flair, charisma, and unbelievable personality. He can play across different positions and he’s experienced in this league. His talent is unquestionable and I’m delighted to have him.”
Eze becomes Arsenal’s seventh signing of a summer window that has already seen the arrivals of Viktor Gyokeres, Cristhian Mosquera, Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke, taking the club’s spending to around £250 million.
The move comes as Arsenal seek to end a 22-year wait for the Premier League title, having finished second for three consecutive seasons.
Eze leaves Palace as a club hero after scoring the winning goal in their historic FA Cup triumph over Manchester City in May.
Meanwhile, Saka and Odegaard will undergo scans after sustaining hamstring and shoulder injuries respectively in the win over Leeds. Arteta admitted the setbacks were a concern but insisted his squad is now “much more equipped” to cope than in previous seasons.
