Expert suggests Arsenal big name has 'training ground' issues
Eberechi Eze must address any problems off the pitch to ensure that he is providing his best form for Arsenal on it.
That is the opinion of experienced former Everton, Tottenham and Aston Villa scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
In the wake of Bukayo Saka's injury, the weight of expectation has fallen on the shoulders of the 28-year-old, who will start from the left when the Gunners host Everton on Saturday.
Eze, who cost Arsenal £67.5million to sign from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2025, has struggled to find his form this season and was hauled off at half-time when Arsenal narrowly beat Nottingham Forest last week.
Wednesday saw the winger respond, however, scoring the opener against Bayern Munich after Saka was forced off in the opening minutes.
The England international is incredibly talented, and Mikel Arteta will hope to see him show that on the pitch in the Premier League.
'I've been disappointed' by Eberechi Eze
When Eze made the move to Arsenal, most fans suspected that he would hit the ground running.
The 28-year-old is a self-proclaimed Arsenal fan and was so impressive for Crystal Palace, scoring 14 goals and providing 12 assists in his final season.
But while Eze did contribute to the Gunners' march to the Premier League title, he scored just two league goals outside of the two games against Tottenham.
"Eze, I'd have been looking for him to be getting forward and scoring spectacular goals and in and around the box all the time," King told Football Insider.
"But there are times when he looks as though he struggles to get in the games. Now, is it the way he's training? Is his attitude not right away from the club or the pitch?
"I think all these things come into play with him. I'm not sure whether Arteta is the best man to put his arm around somebody's shoulder and give them a bit of encouragement. I've been quietly disappointed that he's not a regular member.
"I'd always look at him to play 75 minutes, and then maybe bring him off and put somebody else on. I haven't been seeing that 75 minutes. He was very disappointing against Nottingham Forest.
"His performance was very disappointing. I think that was also said by Arteta. Again, when you're a full England international, you cost big money. You shouldn't be getting pulled off at half-time unless you're injured."
Mikel Arteta backing Eze to respond
Speaking after substituting Eze at half-time last week, Arteta was keen not to publicly trash his player.
"Three days ago, he scored a goal [against Lille], should have scored three and we were all happy," the Spaniard said.
"This is football. One day it's brilliant, the next day [it's not]. Especially for attacking players against a team that defends with ten players in and around the box, the No9 dropping almost at the edge with that Christmas tree [shape].
"It's extremely difficult but that's why you need fresh legs, different profiles and to try different things."