Arsenal had some interest in Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze over the summer, but ultimately made the disappointing decision not to advance it, according to Charles Watts.
Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for the latest edition of his Daily Briefing column, Watts explained that he would have liked to see the Gunners go back in for Eze after he previously left the club’s academy as a youngster.
Eze ended up launching his career at Queens Park Rangers before earning a move to the Premier League with Palace, where he’s gone from strength to strength in the last few years.
The England international would now surely strengthen Arsenal and a number of the other top six clubs, with Watts firmly of the view that he could have given Mikel Arteta’s side the X-factor they were looking for in midfield this summer.
Eze transfer decision disappointing from Arsenal, says Watts
Discussing the Eze situation, Watts said: “I was really surprised that no-one really pushed the boat out for Eberechi Eze during the summer. I was sure, given his relatively kind release clause, that someone would have picked him up.
“Lots of clubs, including Arsenal, had an interest, but that’s as far as it went. I saw quotes from Palace chairman Steve Parish saying he was ‘genuinely astounded’ that no-one took Eze and I’m of the same view to be honest.
“I thought he would have been a great option for Arsenal. Someone who would come in and really improve the squad and give Mikel Arteta plenty of options given his versatility.
“I know that Arsenal went into the window looking to sign an X-Factor type attacker. Someone who could help them unlock tight games with a moment of individual brilliance. There was an awareness at the club ahead of the summer that they lacked that type of player and in my opinion Eze could have given them that. But for whatever reason they decided not to make their move and I was a bit disappointed with that.
“It would have been a nice full circle moment for Eze had he been signed, given he was released from Arsenal’s academy when he was just 13.
“That obviously happens with young players. It’s tough at that young age and there are countless examples of clubs releasing players who then go on to be superstars. It happened with Harry Kane and Arsenal of course.
“At 13 the club and the academy coaches at Hale End felt Eze wasn’t what they needed, but he has gone on to prove them wrong which is great to see.”
