Arteta: Eze’s Arsenal connection ‘brings something extra’ | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta was playing coy on the impending arrival of Eberechi Eze, but the Arsenal manager believes his connection to the club can bring a “different edge” to the team.

The Gunners have agreed a deal with Crystal Palace for the playmaker worth up to £67.5 million, gazumping rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the transfer.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Leeds United, Arteta said he had “nothing to comment” on the deal, adding “I can never talk about any player that is not part of our group yet”.

It appeared as if Eze was on his way to the white half of north London until Arsenal stepped up their pursuit following an injury to Kai Havertz. When it came down to a choice between the two clubs, he evidently only wanted a move to the Emirates Stadium.

“That’s the number one, that they want to be with us and feel something special to come to us. Then the person, what personality we are going to bring; and then the rest comes,” Arteta said.

“I think we have done very well in the last few years to create this spirit in the team.”

Arteta: Eze’s Arsenal connection ‘brings something extra’

Eze grew up as an Arsenal supporter and was even in the club’s academy until he was released at age 13. Arteta believes that can “bring something extra” to his side as they bid to win the Premier League this season.

“The better the feeling, the stronger the feeling then the better always because it brings a different edge, will and emotion to what you do and I think that always brings something extra,” he said.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner commented on Eze’s departure in his press conference ahead of entertaining Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon.

“It’s not surprising for anyone that Ebs left, honestly it’s not surprising, because five days earlier we couldn’t have done anything if he leaves,” the Austrian said.

“We knew that the chances were very high that this will happen and honestly, again I say it like it is, we missed to replace him early enough, that’s completely our fault and nobody else’s fault.”

Read – The managers with the most money spent since their last trophy

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