Eberechi Eze tipped for early Arsenal role change as Mikel Arteta faces Man City dilemma

Eberechi Eze is only three games into his Arsenal career, but one former player believes it could already be time for a change of role.

The England international arrived at the Emirates Stadium in the summer transfer window for £67million from Crystal Palace, snubbing Tottenham Hotspur to join the Gunners.

So far, he has made one Premier League start and one substitute appearance. Eze set up a goal for Viktor Gyokeres in his most recent outing against Nottingham Forest and also played 70 minutes in the Champions League against Athletic Club in midweek.

In both of his starts, the 27-year-old has been used on the left flank. However, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both made impressive cameos off the bench in Bilbao, each scoring in a 2-0 win.

That puts them in contention to start this weekend in what is a huge game against Manchester City. Speaking on TNT Sports, former Arsenal defender Martin Keown suggested that Eze could be moved deeper to accommodate Martinelli.

“There is the possibility that Eberechi Eze could play as a midfield player [against Man City],” he said. I’d start with Gabriel Martinelli and play Eze in midfield. Eze is a player that I want playing in that midfield.”

Such a decision would represent a big call for manager Mikel Arteta in a game that could have a major bearing on the title race.

Martin Zubimendi has impressed since arriving from Real Sociedad, while Declan Rice is one of the first names on the team sheet. Captain Martin Odegaard, though not at his best this season, is a doubt for the clash after picking up a shoulder injury against Nottingham Forest.

That could open the door for Eze to play in a more withdrawn role. Mikel Merino is another contender if Odegaard fails to recover full fitness in time.

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