Three ways Arsenal could line up with Eberechi Eze after £67.5m hijack

Arsenal are set to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace in a £67.5m swoop, hijacking Tottenham’s move for the England international.

The 27-year-old creative midfielder has been one of the standout players in the Premier League and will now form part of a frightening Arsenal frontline alongside Viktor Gyökeres and Bukayo Saka.

Mikel Arteta has spoken of the need to add more “magic moments” to his squad, and Eze’s versatility gives the Gunners multiple tactical options. Whether on the wing, in midfield, or even as a false nine, the England star provides flexibility that could prove decisive in the title race.

Left wing has been a problem position for Arsenal for the past 18 months, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard struggling to find consistency.

Eze has played wide before, drifting inside to act as a second No.10 — a role he excelled in under Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace. His combination play with overlapping full-backs like Riccardo Calafiori could give Arsenal a more balanced left side.

Possible XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Eze

Deploying Eze as a left-sided No.8 alongside Martin Ødegaard would give Arsenal two creative engines in midfield.

Breaking down deep-defending opponents has often been a challenge for the Gunners. With Eze and Ødegaard both orchestrating play, Arteta would have a dual threat capable of unlocking packed defences.

Possible XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Eze; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli

This is the wildcard option. With Kai Havertz sidelined by a knee injury, Arteta may experiment with Eze centrally as a false nine.

He briefly played up front for England in June, partnering Harry Kane in a friendly against Senegal and impressing with his movement and link play. With Gyökeres the obvious first choice, Eze could still be used in this role to add unpredictability.

Possible XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Martinelli

From reviewing his last run of matches, Eze’s ability to progress the ball through dribbles and glide past markers makes him a perfect foil for Saka and Gyökeres. His intelligence in occupying half-spaces is something Arsenal have lacked on the left.

The risk will be balancing creativity with defensive solidity. Using Eze as a No.8 against stronger opponents could expose Arsenal’s midfield, but in games where they dominate possession, his presence may be decisive.

Arsenal will look to finalise the paperwork and medicals before the weekend, with Eze expected to be unveiled at the Emirates before their next Premier League fixture.

Arteta’s challenge will then be integrating him quickly into a side already adjusting to Gyökeres and Riccardo Calafiori. With Champions League football on the horizon, Arsenal fans won’t have to wait long to see their new playmaker in action.

Which role would you prefer for Eberechi Eze at Arsenal — left wing, No.8, or false nine?