Arsenal face questions over Eberechi Eze transfer decision after contract renewal prioritised

The news surrounding Arsenal’s attacking options has sparked quite a response from the fan base. With the focus currently on outgoings and the potential for a seventh overall signing and therefore a third attacking signing, it is reliant on those sales.

Eberechi Eze has been a player of interest to the club this summer, football.london understands, however, the potential for the move at this stage is currently unlikely. The renewal of Ethan Nwaneri’s new deal is believed to have had an impact on the eagerness of the club to move for Eze.

Eze is seen as a central player rather than a wide player, which is where Nwaneri, of course, has his pathway. Nwaneri has had a very bright pre-season and is seen as very much an integral part of the club’s future.

But the question remains: Should a renewal of Nwaneri have had such an impact on the club’s ideas about moving for Eze? It will be subjective for each person, but from a personal point of view, Eze is a player that Arsenal needs regardless.

Arsenal have lacked that maverick-type figure, a matchwinner and a player who can offer quality in different areas of the pitch. Eze is also a player who tends to skew to the left, and can operate in a wide left role, whereas Nwaneri is more of a player who skews right.

Both can exist together in the same squad, which is why I empathise with that frustration. Would Eze's coming into the side impact the development of Nwaneri? Potentially.

It would be naïve to think it wouldn’t. However, it would also be ignorant not to factor in just how often this Arsenal side appears to suffer with fitness issues. There will be stretches of the season where key attacking players are not available, and having both Nwaneri and Eze will be great and soften those losses.

The monetary aspect of a move, reliant on outgoings in particular and on bringing in money, surrounds the desire to work comfortably within UEFA Financial Fair Play. Having spent close to £200million and brought in single-digit millions so far across two permanent exits, it is clear to see why sales are key.

But with Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson in talks over moves, amongst others, if the freedom to spend arrives, Eze must become a key figure in the conversation. Failing to add the third attacker would leave a taste of disappointment in the mouths of fans, rightfully.

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