Arteta Breaks Silence on Arsenal's Pursuit of Crystal Palace Star Eberechi Eze
Mikel Arteta has declined to provide direct responses regarding potential Arsenal acquisition Eberechi Eze, though his comments hinted that finalizing the deal may simply be a question of timing.
Arsenal moved swiftly to outmaneuver north London competitors Tottenham Hotspur for a agreement on Wednesday, equaling Spurs' proposal and convincing Eze to choose them instead. Tottenham hadn't completed their arrangement because Palace desired Eze to participate in the opening leg of a Conference League qualifier, though he ultimately didn't appear in the match regardless.
An Arsenal fitness assessment was arranged for Friday, arriving too late for Eze to participate in this weekend's Premier League encounter between the Gunners and Leeds United.
Arteta met with reporters on Friday, with the acquisition being a predictable discussion point. Without official completion or declaration, the Arsenal manager could only respond tactfully.
"Nothing to comment," he stated.
"I can never discuss any player that isn't part of our squad yet."
The final word, "yet", stands out significantly for Arsenal supporters, essentially confirming it will happen shortly.
Eze appeared prepared to join Tottenham just days earlier but, beyond Spurs failing to complete the transaction, it's his connection with the Gunners as a supporter and former youth player that influenced the 27-year-old to reconsider. That enthusiasm for players to join Arsenal was also addressed with Arteta.
"That's the priority, that they desire to be with us and experience something meaningful in joining us. Then the individual, what character we are going to add…and then everything else follows," he explained.
"I believe we have performed excellently in recent years to establish this atmosphere within the team.
"The stronger the connection, the more powerful the sentiment then the better always because it provides a different advantage, determination and passion to what you accomplish and I think that consistently adds something additional."