Eberechi Eze: Arsenal’s New Number 10 and Midfield Maestro

Eberechi Eze is a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Premier League club Arsenal and the England national team. Since his blockbuster £67.5 million transfer from Crystal Palace in August 2025, Eze has become a vital component of Mikel Arteta’s tactical evolution at the Emirates Stadium. Known for his “gliding” movement and elite technical ability, he took over the iconic number 10 shirt and made his debut against Liverpool on August 31, 2025. This article explores his rapid ascent from the cages of Greenwich to the pinnacle of English football, detailing his match-winning heroics in the 2025 FA Cup Final, his integration into the Arsenal system, and his current standing as one of Europe’s most creative playmakers.

Early Life and Academy Journey

Eberechi Oluchi Eze was born on June 29, 1998, in Greenwich, London, to Nigerian parents. His early footballing education took place in the competitive environment of South London’s “cage” football, which honed his close control and composure.

His path to professional football was famously difficult, involving releases from the academies of Arsenal, Fulham, Reading, and Millwall. Returning to Arsenal in 2025 represented a significant full-circle moment for a player once told he wasn’t physically ready for the highest level.

Playing Style and Technical Skills

Eze is often described as a “smooth” operator on the pitch, characterized by a low center of gravity and an effortless running style. Unlike many modern wingers who rely on pure pace, Eze uses feints, body shifts, and elite ball retention to bypass defenders.

Technically, he is proficient with both feet, making him a nightmare for defenders to show in one direction. His vision allows him to execute defense-splitting passes, while his set-piece delivery—both corners and direct free kicks—remains a primary goal-scoring threat for his team.

The Achilles Injury and Recovery

In May 2021, Eze suffered a devastating Achilles tendon injury during a training session, just as he was reportedly set to be included in England’s provisional Euro 2020 squad. The injury sidelined him for over six months, a period that tested his mental resilience.

He returned to action in late 2021, showing remarkable physical recovery. While it took several months to regain his explosive “first step,” by the 2022-23 season, Eze was performing at a higher level than before his injury, proving his durability and professional discipline.

International Career with England

Although eligible to represent Nigeria through his parents, Eze chose to represent England at the international level. He played for the Under-20s and Under-21s before receiving his first senior call-up in 2023.

Eze made his senior England debut on June 16, 2023, coming on as a substitute in a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match against Malta. His inclusion in the final Euro 2024 squad cemented his status as one of the country’s elite attacking talents.

Breakthrough at QPR and Growth

After a successful trial, Eze signed for Queens Park Rangers in 2016, where he truly flourished under the guidance of technical director Chris Ramsey. A productive loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers in 2017 provided the physical edge needed for the Championship.

By the 2019-20 season, Eze was recognized as one of the best young talents in England, winning QPR’s Player of the Year award. His 14 goals and 8 assists that season paved the way for a £17 million move to the Premier League with Crystal Palace.

The Crystal Palace Legacy

Eze spent five seasons at Selhurst Park, making over 150 appearances and establishing himself as the club’s creative heartbeat. His partnership with Michael Olise and Wilfried Zaha defined a new era of attacking flair for the Eagles.

His crowning moment at Palace came in May 2025, when he scored the only goal in the FA Cup Final against Manchester City. This historic strike secured Crystal Palace’s first-ever major trophy and cemented his status as a club legend before his summer departure.

The Blockbuster Move to Arsenal

On August 23, 2025, Arsenal confirmed the signing of Eze for a total package worth £67.5 million, following an injury to Kai Havertz. He was immediately handed the number 10 shirt, signaling his importance to the club’s long-term project.

Mikel Arteta described the signing as a strategic move to add “unpredictability and explosiveness” to the midfield. Eze’s arrival was the centerpiece of a summer window that also saw the Gunners recruit Martin Zubimendi to bolster their title-challenging squad.

Tactical Role Under Mikel Arteta

At Arsenal, Eze has primarily operated as a “left-sided eight” or an inverted winger, allowing him to link play with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. His ability to receive the ball under pressure makes him indispensable for Arteta’s build-up play.

While his early months featured a highlight-reel hat-trick against Tottenham, he has also faced the challenge of adapting to Arsenal’s rigid defensive structure. Arteta has worked closely with him to improve his high-pressing metrics and spatial awareness without the ball.

International Stardom with England

Eze made his senior England debut in 2023 and has since become a regular in the national team setup. He was a key member of the Euro 2024 squad that reached the final, often appearing as a game-changing substitute.

In March 2025, he scored his first international goal in a 3-0 World Cup qualifying win against Latvia. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Eze is competing for a starting role in a crowded attacking midfield that includes Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.

Key Career Statistics

Statistics as of January 2026.

Style of Play and Strengths

Eze is best known for his “low-gravity” dribbling, using body feints and shifts rather than pure speed to beat defenders. He ranks in the 89th percentile for successful take-ons among Europe’s top-five leagues.

His versatility allows him to occupy multiple roles, though his most effective position remains the “Number 10” role where he can dictate the tempo. He is also a dead-ball specialist, often taking corners and free-kicks for both club and country.

Challenges and Recent Form

As of January 2026, Eze has faced increased competition for his starting spot following the resurgence of Leandro Trossard. Some analysts have pointed to a slight decline in his key pass frequency compared to his time at Palace.

Despite these challenges, his performance in the Champions League has been noteworthy, providing crucial balance during Arsenal’s group stage campaign. His integration remains a work in progress as he masters the “Arteta way” of constant tactical discipline.

Cultural Impact and Off-Pitch Life

Eze is a prominent figure in the London community, often visiting his home borough of Greenwich to support youth football initiatives. He is deeply religious and frequently discusses how his faith helped him navigate the dark days of his 2021 Achilles injury.

He has also emerged as a fashion icon, collaborating with brands like New Balance on signature boot lines. His calm personality and professional conduct make him one of the most respected figures in the Arsenal dressing room.

Practical Information for Fans

Watching Eze at the Emirates

• Stadium: Emirates Stadium, Highbury House, London.
• Match Tickets: Priority is given to Red and Silver members; high-profile games often sell out weeks in advance.
• Transport: The stadium is easily accessible via the Arsenal (Piccadilly Line) or Highbury & Islington (Victoria Line/Overground) tube stations.

Official Merchandise

• Jersey: Arsenal Home/Away/Third Kit with “Eze 10” printing.
• Store: The Armoury (Emirates Stadium) or the official Arsenal online shop.

Essential Visitor Tips

• Pre-match: Visit the “Tollington” or “The Gunners” pubs for the local atmosphere.
• Stadium Tour: Book the “Legend Tour” to see Eze’s locker in the home dressing room.
• Timing: Arrive at least 60 minutes before kickoff to clear security and enjoy the pre-match light shows.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Eberechi Eze join Arsenal? Eze joined Arsenal on August 23, 2025, from Crystal Palace. The transfer was completed just before the end of the summer window.

What was Eze’s transfer fee to Arsenal? The total fee was reported as £67.5 million, consisting of a £60 million upfront payment and £7.5 million in performance-related bonuses.

What shirt number does Eze wear? Eze wears the number 10 shirt for Arsenal, a jersey previously worn by club legends like Dennis Bergkamp and Mesut Özil.

Has Eze won any major trophies? Yes, he won the 2025 FA Cup with Crystal Palace, scoring the winning goal in the final. He also won the 2025 Community Shield with Palace before his transfer.+1

Who did Eze play for before Crystal Palace? Before Palace, Eze played for Queens Park Rangers (QPR) and had a loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers. He also spent time in several London academies.

Is Eberechi Eze eligible for Nigeria? Eze was born in London to Nigerian parents and was eligible to play for the Super Eagles. However, he committed to the England national team in 2023.

How many goals did Eze score for Crystal Palace? In his five seasons at Selhurst Park, Eze scored 38 goals in the Premier League and established himself as one of the league’s top attackers.

What is Eze’s current weekly wage at Arsenal? According to reports following his 2025 move, Eze earns approximately £180,000 per week under a contract that runs until June 2029.

Who is Eze’s main competition at Arsenal? Currently, his primary competition for the attacking midfield role is Martin Odegaard, while Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli compete with him for the left-wing spot.

Did Eze score a hat-trick for Arsenal? Yes, Eze scored a memorable hat-trick against North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in November 2025, a performance that instantly endeared him to the Gunners’ faithful.

What is Eze’s height and weight? Eze is 1.78 meters (5 ft 10 in) tall and weighs approximately 67 kg. His lean physique is a key factor in his agile playing style.

Is Eberechi Eze currently injured? As of early January 2026, Eze is fit and available for selection, though he has recently been rotated in and out of the starting XI by Mikel Arteta.

Where was Eberechi Eze born? He was born in Greenwich, London. He is often described as a “South Londoner through and through,” reflecting his roots in the area.