Another Eze: Arsenal preparing huge bid to sign £78m “world-class superstar”
The summer transfer window saw Arsenal enjoy one of the most exciting transfer windows in their illustrious history.
Edu had left the club and Andrea Berta had arrived. The job he performed was incredible during his first window in charge of recruitment.
Viktor Gyokeres was the marquee addition but the likes of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have bolstered the forward line and ensured that Mikel Arteta can afford to rest and rotate a little bit more.
The defence was also strengthened, of course it was. Arteta loves a defender. Although, with both William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes currently out injured, it’s probably just as well Cristian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie signed.
So, what could January hold?
Where Arsenal could strengthen in January
Given the mass spending over the summer, it’s quite unlikely that Berta signs anyone throughout the winter.
That being said, with injuries ravaging the squad, it would not be a total surprise to see even more depth added.
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It’s in the forward line where another player could arrive. Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz have both been linked, as has someone from Real Madrid.
According to Caught Offside, both Liverpool and Arsenal are ‘preparing their bids’ for Brazilian winger Rodrygo.
The Gunners were linked with the Madrid star right throughout the summer window but he ultimately ended up staying at the Bernabeu.
A few months on and rumours of a Rodrygo move to north London are gathering pace again. Caught Offside state that as a result of the attacker’s limited game time this season, they are willing to sanction his exit if a bid of around £78m is made.
Liverpool and Arsenal both currently lead the race but you would sense a move to Anfield is more likely given the Gunners already have plenty of options in wide areas.
Why Rodrygo would be a good signing for Arsenal
How we judge Rodrygo is a tricky one. This season, the 24-year-old has played 16 games but has only started three times in LaLiga. He’s failed to score and only registered two assists. It’s pretty evident why he’s searching for a way out of Madrid this winter.
Last term was a better one for the Brazilian, scoring 14 and supplying 11 goals for his teammates. That said, he failed to score in his final 13 league outings. Worrying signs.
At his best, however, he is “one of the best wingers in the world” in the words of analyst Spencer Mossman. He’s also a “world-class superstar” in the eyes of former Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric. He’s certainly seen a few greats come and go in the Spanish capital.
It was only back in 2022/23 that Rodrygo, still a spring chicken in the world of football, scored 19 goals. He’s a goal threat and a creative outlet too. He’s rather similar to Eze in that regard.
While Rodrygo can play on either flank, it’s on the left, one of Eze’s best positions, where he’s most at home. Both fabulous ball carriers and comfortable in tight spaces, they are particularly alike with regard to their flair and the excitement they offer in the final third.
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Rodrygo vs Eze since 2023/24 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Stat (per 90 mins) |
Rodrygo |
Eze |
|
Goals |
0.31 |
0.37 |
|
Assists |
0.19 |
0.21 |
|
Expected goals |
0.32 |
0.36 |
|
Shots on target |
1.18 |
1.17 |
|
Key passes |
1.93 |
1.95 |
|
Progressive passes |
4.08 |
3.72 |
|
Shot-creating actions |
4.64 |
4.42 |
|
Successful take-ons |
2.32 |
2.47 |
|
Stats via FBRef. |
||
Analysing their numbers over the last two and a half seasons, it’s clear to see just how alike the two dynamic forwards are.
Over several metrics they’ve been registering near identical numbers, specifically when it comes to shots on target, key passes and shot-creating actions.
Eze has been a breath of fresh air since joining Arsenal from Palace. That hat-trick against Spurs will go down in history as one of the most memorable moments from a north London derby. To sign a similar player in Rodrygo, therefore, is sure to delight supporters.
Creative, capable of scoring goals and fleet-footed, another Eze could be on their way to north London.
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