Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal’s record signing Eberechi Eze is in contention to make his debut when the Gunners travel to face Liverpool this weekend.
Eze, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, joined from Crystal Palace last week in a £60 million deal that could rise to £67.5 million with add-ons.
The 27-year-old was introduced to fans at the Emirates before Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds United on August 23.
Arteta is confident the Nigerian-English midfielder can make an instant impact at Anfield, a ground where he has performed well in the past.
“Yes, I think he will go there, and he’s played there many times. I think he’s the type of player that loves those scenarios and those moments,” the Spaniard said.
Eze has a strong record at Liverpool’s home ground. He netted the winner in Palace’s 1-0 victory there in 2023-24, assisted Wilfried Zaha’s opener in a 1-1 draw the previous season, and featured in the final-day stalemate between the two clubs last term.
With Bukayo Saka sidelined and Leandro Trossard facing a fitness test, Eze could be deployed on the left flank. Arteta, however, has the option of using him centrally in place of captain Martin Odegaard, who remains doubtful with a shoulder problem.
The Arsenal manager praised Eze’s adaptation in training, pointing to both his personality and technical qualities.
“First of all, his energy. I think when you are next to him, you are comfortable. He’s got a big smile. He picks things. He asks you the right questions,” Arteta said.
“Then, just him flowing above and the ability he has to pick passes, to drive past people effortlessly and just to understand the timing of things. Very impressive.”
Kick-off at Anfield is set for Sunday afternoon.
