Arsenal have 'serious' concerns about Eberechi Eze

Arsenal have serious concerns about Eberechi Eze's place in the squad after a string of underwhelming performances in recent weeks.

The 28-year-old has yet to start a Premier League game so far this season, and was underwhelming when called upon to start in the 1-0 Champions League win against Napoli.

Mikel Arteta has deployed the England international as a left-winger in recent weeks, having failed to bolster the position in the summer, but that has raised new concerns.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Arteta is not getting the best out of Eze, who may not be the best fit for Arsenal's current style.

The attacking midfielder has not been allowed to express himself and play in the style that got him noticed at Crystal Palace where he was a dynamic influence in the final third.

As a result, Arteta has preferred new signing Christos Tzolis in Eze's usual position, while his preferred midfield role is unlikely to be available given the options in those positions.

Why are Arsenal concerned about Eberechi Eze?

Football Insider revaeled on 2 September that Arsenal are planning to use Eze as a left-winger this season despite his best performances last season coming through the middle.

That has been evidenced in the opening stages of this season both in the Premier League and in the Champions League, but has led to a downturn in his displays.

Eze's recent showings have become a concern for Arteta, but that is unlikely to change while he plays in a position and a role that does not best utilise his talents.

"Eberechi Eze is starting to become quite a serious concern for Arsenal," Brown told Football Insider.

"I don't think it's harsh to say we're not seeing the same player there as we saw at Crystal Palace, but there are very clear reasons for that, and it's not necessarily his fault.

"Arsenal have been playing him on the wing more often this season, and he's never been a touchline winger, it's not a position that allows him to maximise his talents.

"Plus, the way Arsenal play and set up isn't best suited to his skillset either, there's a lot of focus on just keeping the ball and it can be quite risk-averse.

"When he was at Palace, he was a final-third player really, his teammates would feed him the ball in attacking positions and he would give them these moments of magic.

"There wasn't a focus on him tracking back defensively, making sure they kept posession or making space for his teammates, he was allowed to express himself on the ball.

"So now at Arsenal, we're not seeing these moves he used to make at Palace on the ball, we don't see him bounce things off his teammates and make those decisive moves.

"But he's playing in a role that doesn't suit him, in a style of play that doesn't get the best out of him, and that's why Arteta prefers other options."

Could Eze be allowed to leave Arsenal?

Amid frustrations aimed towards Eze's recent performances, questions have been asked about his long-term future at Arsenal and whether he could potentially move on.

The England international has had a number of admirers since his time at Crystal Palace, and should he be made available, he would have no shortage of suitors.

However, Football Insider revealed earlier this year that Arsenal have no plans to let Eze leave under any circumstances and view him as an important part of their squad.

The 28-year-old has been under scrutiny of late due to his lack of impact, but sources have indicated that Arsenal remain adamant he still has a role to play.

Eze, meanwhile, has no intentions of seeking a move away from his boyhood club in the near future and plans to work to regain his place in the side under Arteta.