Eze to Arsenal

It looks like Arsenal’s last significant signing will be Eberechi Eze. And while I think he will be a very good player for Arsenal, I’m not sure he’s exactly what they need—at least not on his own.

Arsenal will presumably play Eze as a left winger. While he would be an upgrade over Martinelli, Eze isn’t really a natural winger.

This season, Eze played as a left-sided 10/second striker in a 3-4-3 formation, which allowed him to frequently receive the ball between the D and the edge of the box—where he thrives.

Eze is more of a central player than a wide one. He occupies spaces more similar to Rice than to Martinelli.

First, let’s look at why Arsenal are targeting a left winger. Martinelli has his strengths—there are few wingers in the world with his speed and defensive work rate—but his dribbling has been inconsistent, his end product in the final third has dropped, and he’s never been a top-tier creator with his passing.

Arsenal need an equivalent to Saka on the left side—or at least 90% of him.

So why Eze? He’s a borderline elite creator, both in terms of passing and dribbling. He strikes the ball well and is composed in the final third.

However, while Eze is a great creator, he doesn’t possess top-end pace, his defensive work rate is serviceable at best, and he’s not particularly strong at carrying the ball over long distances.

I think Eze will be a great signing, and I believe he can help Arsenal win trophies. But let’s explore other options.

One name that has been mentioned frequently is Rafael Leão, and it seems he wants a move to Arsenal. So why haven’t they gone in for him?

Let’s first look at Leão’s strengths. He’s a unicorn when it comes to dribbling and ball-carrying. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player combine speed, power, finesse, flair, and poise on the ball the way Leão does. I mean wow is he special at times, truly elite. 

He has a good—but not great—final ball, and he’s good—but not great—at finishing.

On the ball and in space, he’s the total package. Unfortunately, he’s also an inconsistent player with little to no defensive work rate. Personally, I believe Arteta would get frustrated with him.

If Arteta can get Leão to buy in and become more consistent, he could make Arsenal unstoppable. It’s high risk, high reward—but I’m not sure that’s what Arsenal are looking for right now. They need a sure thing.

The other player Arsenal have been linked with is Rodrygo. For me, he’s the one.

Rodrygo has top-tier pace and excels at dribbling and carrying the ball. He’s also effective in the final third—both in terms of passing and shooting—while being defensively solid.He can even provide cover at right wing if needed. He’s the complete package

The only minor flaw in his game is consistency, but I believe that will improve once he returns to his natural position. 

Rodrygo is a left winger at heart, but has had to play on the right due to Vini and Mbappé. Move him to the left, and he could explode. He has the experience, the chip on his shoulder—he is the one.

I believe Arsenal had a real chance to get both Eze and Rodrygo this summer, but instead chose Madueke over the pair. I think that decision will cost them in the long run.

With Eze, Arsenal can win trophies.

With Leão, Arsenal can win trophies.

With Rodrygo, Arsenal will win trophies.