Former Liverpool and England winger Steve McManaman has thrown a compelling name into the ring for Arsenal's summer shopping list, advocating for a move for Crystal Palace's dynamic playmaker Eberechi Eze.
Speaking on the Ladbrokes Fanzone podcast, McManaman pinpointed the creative midfielder as the perfect solution to Mikel Arteta's lack of cover for star man Bukayo Saka. The pundit suggested that while Gabriel Martinelli is an option on the right, his natural fit is on the opposite flank, leaving a genuine vacancy for a player of Eze's calibre.
A Solution to Arteta's Selection Headache
McManaman elaborated on his reasoning, stating, "If you're looking at a player who can come in and do a job similar to Saka, then I think Eze is your man." He acknowledged the Brazilian alternative but was clear in his assessment: "You've got Gabriel Martinelli who you can play on the right, but he's a natural left-sided player."
The analysis presents a tantalising prospect for the Gunners. Securing a talent like Eze would not only provide elite-level backup for Saka but also offer immense tactical flexibility, allowing Arteta to rotate his attacking options without a significant drop in quality.
The Palace Prize and Potential Premium
Prying the 25-year-old away from Selhurst Park, however, will be no simple task. Eze has been instrumental for Crystal Palace and is rightly considered one of their most prized assets. His current contract, set to run until June 2027, means the South London club holds all the negotiating power and can demand a premium fee for their star man.
This potential transfer saga is set to be one of the stories of the summer, testing Arsenal's ambition and financial muscle as they look to build a squad capable of going toe-to-toe with Manchester City for the Premier League title once again.
