Sources: Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze exit plan revealed
Arsenal will not entertain the idea of letting Eberechi Eze leave under any circumstances this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Mikel Arteta still has “big plans” for the attacking midfielder at the Emirates Stadium, and the player himself also feels that he still has a key role to play within the Gunners’ squad.
Eze has started just one league game since 14 December for Arsenal, but he played a key role by notching two assists in their FA Cup win over Wigan Athletic last weekend.
The 27-year-old has been under scrutiny of late due to his lack of impact, but sources have indicated that Arsenal remain adamant that he is still a crucial part of their long-term ambitions.
- Read More: We need to have a serious conversation about Eberechi Eze – Mikel Arteta has reason not to rate him
Mikel Arteta clear on Eberechi Eze despite ruthless decision
Eze was expected to immediately kick on after joining Arsenal from Crystal Palace last summer in a deal worth £67.5million, but things haven’t gone to plan for him in North London so far.
The former QPR man has four goals and two assists from his 20 appearances in the Premier League so far this term, and he is on course to fall dramatically short of his 16 league goal involvements last term.
He has found opportunities to impress his new boss hard to come by at times, and he was the victim of a ruthless decision from Arteta at half-time of the 1-1 draw with Brentford in Arsenal’s last league outing.
With the Gunners level heading into the break at the Gtech Community Stadium, Arteta opted to hook Eze in favour of Martin Odegaard, bringing a premature end to what had been his first league start for almost two months.
Nevertheless, it has become clear that the manager has not lost any faith in the player that he pushed so hard to secure in the summer, as Eze’s future is still secure despite a rocky spell of late.
- Read More: Kieran Gibbs shares what ‘world-class’ Eberechi Eze did that was ‘unique’ in Arsenal win vs Wigan
Arsenal well-placed to add further midfield competition this summer
Football Insider revealed on Monday that Arsenal hold the edge over Tottenham in the race for Leon Goretzka, as he looks set to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old will be available on a free transfer as he prepares to end his eight-year stint at the Allianz Arena, and both North London rivals are keen to try and lure him into a deal.
However, it is Arsenal who are currently leading the race over their rivals, as their likely ability to offer Champions League football next term is expected to be a decisive factor.
Goretzka is set to come in and add further quality to an Arsenal midfield that already boasts world-class talents in the likes of Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Eze and Odegaard.