Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says the club’s move to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace shows their determination to finally end a 22-year wait for the Premier League title.
Eze was widely expected to join Tottenham, but Arsenal stepped in to close a deal worth around £60 million plus £7.5m in add-ons.
The England midfielder would become the latest big-money arrival at the Emirates this summer, with the club already spending close to £260m on Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard, and Cristhian Mosquera.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash against Leeds, Arteta said the deal underlined the club’s ambition:
“We are showing ambition. We want to win major trophies, and we want to be in front of the league, not just chasing. Every decision we make is about that.”
The signing comes after Arsenal confirmed that Kai Havertz will miss time with a knee injury, but Arteta insists the move for Eze was not a reaction to that setback.
Eze, 27, has a personal history with Arsenal, having spent time in the club’s academy before being released as a teenager. Reports suggest he is eager to return to the club where his football journey began.
Arsenal started the season with a 1-0 win away at Manchester United and are hoping Eze can add the creativity and depth needed to go one better after finishing runners-up in each of the past three seasons.
