Former Chelsea midfielder explains why Arsenal must sign Eberechi Eze, ‘he’s different…’

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After six additions already this summer, Arsenal remain interested in bringing Eberechi Eze to the Emirates.

Following the expiration of the release clause in the midfielder’s contract on 1^st August, the Gunners are expected to bid for Eze before the end of the summer window.

In positive news for Mikel Arteta’s side, Crystal Palace remain open to a sale, provided their valuation is met.

Instrumental in the Eagles’ FA Cup triumph last season, Eze would strengthen the Arsenal squad considerably as they look to dislodge Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.

Indeed, former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley thinks the England international would be a great addition, explaining why Arsenal should move to get the deal done this summer.

Craig Burley says Eberechi Eze is different to Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard

Speaking on ESPN FC, Burley highlighted how Eze is a different profile of player to what Arteta currently has at his disposal.

The 53-year-old explained: “[Eze’s] different. He’s different to even Saka on the right side, he’s different to Martinelli, he’s different to Trossard.”

Elaborating on what he meant, Burley said: “He’s a wide player who looks to come in-field quite a lot and get in that little pocket behind the midfield. And he can pick a pass, and he can score a goal.

“So, he’s different. He’s not that pacy wide player. Saka’s a wide player that takes people on. Martinelli’s a wide player that takes people on.

“I would say Eze is a little bit different to that. He’s a different type of player.”

Burley concluded that this variety would help Arsenal, however, stating; “I think it’s a good thing for Arsenal to have that mix.”

Three key stats where Eberechi Eze outperformed Arsenal’s wide players last season

One of Arsenal’s biggest issues last season was their ability to create chances and score goals.

While the club was riddled with injuries in attacking areas throughout most of the campaign, the Gunners’ style of play could often be slow and ponderous, and it certainly wasn’t as free-flowing as in the two previous seasons when they found the back of the net significantly more.

Eze would change this.

While not an out-and-out winger, he outperformed Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard in the Premier League last term across two key metrics: successful dribbles and fouls won.

Through these stats, Eze’s ability to commit defenders and either take the ball past them to create space and opportunities for other players, or draw fouls for set-piece deliveries, emphasises that he would be a valuable addition to the Arsenal squad.

Additionally, with 58, the 27-year-old also created more chances than Martinelli (40) and Trossard (41), while being on par in this department with Saka.

As new signing Viktor Gyokeres looks to Martin Odegaard to provide assists, Eze could lighten the load on the Norwegian and contribute here as well.

Eberechi Eze has continued last season’s form into this pre-season

After being given an extended break by Crystal Palace following his involvement in the end-of-season internationals with England, Eze has looked in sparkling form as the Eagles build for the new campaign, picking up where he left off at the end of last term.

He scored against Crawley in Palace’s 3-0 win over the League 2 side on 25^th July, also dinking just over the crossbar after a glorious run past three players.

He was in similar form against Bundesliga side FC Augsburg, scoring and providing a clever assist from a free-kick, which he won after another smart dribble, as Oliver Glasner’s side ran out 3-1 winners.

All in all, it’s further evidence of the quality the midfielder possesses, and the quality he would bring to Arsenal, should a deal be completed.

If it doesn’t, Eze will undoubtedly carry his form into the new campaign for his current side, as Crystal Palace aim to build on their historic campaign last term.