It was already a very busy transfer window at Arsenal.
So far, the gunners have taught with six new recruits and have signed Victor Gökeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Mosquera, Christian Norgado and Kepa Alizabaraga for around £187 million.
According to Sam Dean of The Telegraph, this is the first time Gunners has signed six players before the first pre-season fixture, and more than six have signed them in July 1997.
However, as Mikel Arteta is targeting the Premier League title, they are not finished yet, so the most exciting addition may not have arrived yet.
Arsenal needs to add creativity
After a victory over Singapore’s AC Milan and Newcastle, Arsenal’s Asia tour ended with a sour note.
On Thursday, Gunner was beaten 1-0 by North London rival Tottenham at Hong Kong’s brand new Kaituck Sports Park.
The only goal for the night was at the cusp at halftime. David Raya made a hospital pass to Miles Lewis Skelly. He chose a pocket for Pipe Matal Saar.
However, it was on the other end that the supporter’s concerns lie, creating one major opportunity, but only one of the 16 shots found the target. According to Sofa Scole, the gunners were unable to break the low blocks in the second half and returned to horse shoes surrounded by left and right without penetration.
So, as they attempted to address this lack of creativity, journalist Sebastian Vidal reported that Arsenal was “preparing to submit” a £52 million bid to Crystal Palace to sign Ebeki Eze.
Elsewhere, Dom Smith, the evening standard document that Eze’s £68 million release clause actually expires on August 15th, is just before Palace’s Premier League opening game, but he intends to offer the offer regardless of this deadline.
So, the 27-year-old dreams of his first Premier League title everywhere since 2004, so will it be the legendary final piece of Jigsawpa?
Where is the key available to King?
It’s not entirely clear where Eze will fit into Arteta’s team, but this is exactly why he’s such an exciting addition given the need for something a little different.
Zubimendi’s arrival suggests that Declan Rice is licensed to move forward with MartinØdegaard, and that Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz are also options for their left-hand mid-role roles.
So, given that many gunner fans believe Leandro Torosad and Gabriel Martinelli upgrades are needed, can the 27-year-old become an entire left-wing starter?
As Simon Collings of the Evening Standard pointed out, Arsenal Squad members have a very small number of people who have produced a “work ethic” better than Martinelli and praised his “great defensive work,” but as shown in the table below, Brazil’s offensive output is clearly diminished.
Gabriel MartinelliSeasonal Statistics | |||
---|---|---|---|
statistics | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
exterior | 46 | 44 | 51 |
Min | 3,440 | 2,640 | 3,564 |
the goal | 15 | 8 | 10 |
assist | 7 | 5 | 6 |
shot | 55 | 39 | 40 |
Photography accuracy % | 58.18% | 56.41% | 62.5% |
I missed a big opportunity | 6 | 5 | 8 |
Possibility of being created | 58 | 44 | 38 |
A big opportunity has been created | 11 | 7 | 7 |
Take-on Success% | 52.94% | 39.6% | 35.48% |
% of touch in box | 15% | 15% | 18% |
Average Sofa Score Rating | 7.17 | 7.11 | 6.96 |
Statistics courtesy of TransferMarkt, Squawka and Sofascore |
As the table points out, when comparing the past three seasons, the majority of Martinelli’s offensive stats peaked at Arsenal’s first title challenge in 2022/23, after which goals, assists, shots and chances were created and dribbling was drawn.
So, does the English “magician” dubbed by the critic Mika Richards represent a major upgrade?
Well, ahead of the November clash at Selhurst, Fulham manager Marco Silva labelled Eze as a “top player” and added that he “really enjoys playing.”
Meanwhile, full football analysis Daryl Guillard, impressed by his “technical abilities,” thriving as a “major playmaker” that tends to drift towards the left, pointing to Sam Tabouto, breaking the line, pointing out that he can produce “match wine moments.”
Now let’s compare Eze and Martinelli.
Gabriel Martinelli vs Eberechi Eze 2024/25 PL comparison | ||
---|---|---|
statistics | Martinelli | eze |
exterior | 33 | 34 |
Min | 2,299 | 2,603 |
the goal | 8 | 8 |
assist | 4 | 8 |
shot | 40 | 61 |
Possibility of being created | 38 | 57 |
A big opportunity has been created | 7 | 11 |
I missed a big opportunity | 8 | 8 |
Take-on Success% | 34% | 52% |
Touches per 90 | 42.4 | 54.9 |
Average Sofa Score Rating | 6.96 | 7.28 |
Statistics courtesy of TransferMarkt, Sofascore and Squawka |
As the table documented, Eze’s offensive statistics were universally impressive than Martinelli’s offensive statistics in the Premier League last season, registering more assists, creating more opportunities and completing a higher percentage of his take-ons.
So there’s no denying that England International is Arsenal’s incredible signature, and if they overtake large spending champions Liverpool, they might just need him.