"He's got the X-factor" - Paul Merson wants Arsenal to sign Chelsea target

English pundit Paul Merson has urged Arsenal to sign Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, who has been linked with a potential move to Chelsea. Merson also claims that Eze's ability to break low block tactical set-ups could be a crucial factor for the Gunners in the Premier League.

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During a discussion with Sky Sports, the former Arsenal star detailed why the Gunners should sign Eze. He said (via Arsenal Insider):

"For me, that’s where Eze comes in. He’s got the X-factor and the ability to break down a low block down. Away from home, maybe he’s not the answer. Against the likes of Liverpool and Man City, they may come under the cosh for a bit, and they may have to play slightly differently.

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He added:

"But that’s why you have a big squad. At home, against the lesser teams, where they have 70 to 80 per cent of the ball, let Eze go and do what he wants because he will make something happen. It would be a fantastic signing for Arsenal.”

A recent report by Arsenal Insider revealed that the Gunners are interested in signing Eze this summer. Thus, Merson believes Eze's ability to penetrate defensive lines in games where the Gunners control most of the ball possession could be a key factor.

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In the Premier League last season, the Gunners struggled to break down low-block tactical teams, such as Everton and West Ham United, among others.

Therefore, as a proven playmaker who can also score goals, Eze could be a game-changer for Mikel Arteta next season. In Palace's colors, Eze has contributed 40 goals and 28 assists in 167 appearances. He also remains under contract at Crystal Palace until June 2027.

"It's a lot of money for a player who is not a prolific goalscorer." Paul Merson on Arsenal's potential signing of Noni Madueke

Manchester United v AFC - Premier League - Source: Getty

Paul Merson has criticized the Gunners' choice to sign Noni Madueke from Chelsea. The 57-year-old also argued that Madueke's transfer value is too high compared to what he can provide.

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In one of his latest columns at Sky Sports, the English international said:

"I just don't see it. It's a lot of money for a player who is not a prolific goalscorer. He's the sort of player that has a good game here and a good game there, but that'll be it. The consistency of performance isn't there. I hope he proves me wrong, but he'll have the good games, just like he did for England last month. But then you won't see him for a few weeks.

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Madueke’s potential signing is expected to be £52 million, according to a report by Sky Sports, a fee which Merson believes is too exorbitant. Last season, Madueke contributed 11 goals and five assists in 45 appearances for Chelsea.

If he joins the Gunners, he could be an excellent replacement for Bukayo Saka on the right wing ahead of a busy campaign next season.

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About the author Abel Yisa Abel is an European football journalist who focuses primarily on analysis pieces and preview copies at Sportskeeda. A B.Sc degree holder in Economics, he has a previous work experience of 3 years – a year at Opera News Hub where he was promoted as a 'Verified Sports Writer,’ and over two years at Sportskeeda as a revenue-share writer, where his writing skills have ultimately led him to be integrated into the in-house team.

A Manchester United fan who grew up in a family of Red Devils supporters, he started his journey as an ardent football fan in his childhood. He used to spend hours watching the sport with his family and developed a knack for writing about the beautiful game over the years.

He is a huge admirer of Paul Pogba owing to the midfielder's ability to thread passes from anywhere on the pitch and his favorite manager is Jose Mourinho due to the Portuguese's tactical mind. He feels France's triumph in 2018 is his all-time favorite World Cup moment, and reckons Lamine Yamal and Endrick could replicate the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Abel always strives to verify information, especially statistics, before penning a word and offers constructive but not defamatory criticisms. Apart from Europe's top five leagues, he follows the Eredivisie and the Primeira Liga. He loves to spend his free time playing video games like EA FC and watching movies. Know More

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