Better buy than Eze: Arteta has “spoken” to £52m star about joining Arsenal

Excitement at Arsenal football club is at an all-time high during the Mikel Arteta reign, with their actions on and off the pitch fueling the expectations of the fanbase.

Eberechi Eze was confirmed as the Gunners’ latest addition on Saturday afternoon, joining the side in a £67.5m deal from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.

His tally of 16 combined goals and assists in England’s top-flight adds a new dimension to the side’s attack, subsequently being able to operate in a number ten role, or off the left-hand side of the frontline.

The 27-year-old, who’s a boyhood Arsenal fan, was presented to the fans before the 5-0 triumph over Leeds at the Emirates – with their superb showing catapulting the side to the top of the table.

However, with less than a week remaining in the summer window, the manager is still targeting added reinforcements to the squad, leading to numerous names being mentioned with a move in recent days.

Arsenal’s hunt to land added reinforcements after Eze

Despite the move to land Eze over the last week, another attacker has appeared on their radar, with Rodrygo once again being touted with a move to join Arsenal this summer.

It was reported recently that the Gunners’ hierarchy were set for a meeting with the Brazilian’s representatives, with Real Madrid open to allowing the 24-year-old to depart on a permanent or temporary basis.

However, the winger isn’t the only player currently on their radar, with Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie another player they’re making a move for ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.

According to one insider, the Gunners are big admirers of the Ecuadorian, with Arteta already holding talks with the player over a switch to North London this summer.

It’s also been reported that any move could hinge on Jakub Kiwior’s pending move to join Porto, with a £52m transfer fee being mooted for the star Leverkusen at present.

Why Arsenal’s £52m target would be a better signing than Eze

A move for Eze has injected a newfound sense of optimism within the Arsenal fanbase, which is understandable given his big-money transfer fee – making him the third most-expensive player in their history.

Such a deal has been sweetened, especially after the Gunners clinched his signature despite huge interest from North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur before his move to the Emirates.

However, he will have a huge amount of expectations to live up to given the fee, but there’s no denying that the England international possesses a lot of top-level quality.

A transfer for Hincapie could arguably be a better addition this summer, offering needed cover in the centre-back and left-back departments – with the latter being a problem position for Arteta.

The likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney and Riccardo Calafiori have all tried to fill the void, but have massively struggled with injuries over the past couple of campaigns.

Calafiori has started both of the Gunners’ two Premier League games to date, even scoring the winner against Manchester United – often popping up at key moments.

A deal for Hincapie would offer an immediate and long-term solution to Arteta’s biggest problem in the defensive department, with the 23-year-old already racking up over 160 appearances for Leverkusen since his move to the German side back in 2021.

His underlying stats from the Bundesliga last campaign highlight the talent he possesses in and out of possession – potentially being an excellent pickup despite the £52m price tag.

He ranked in the 95th percentile for passes completed last season (88%), whilst falling into the 85th percentile for progressive passes per 90 (5.1) – demonstrating the talent he possesses in finding teammates in attacking areas.

Such numbers could prove to be perfect for Eze, potentially handing the Englishman the tools to be a success during his debut year in the Gunners’ first team.

He also ranked in the 95th percentile for carries into the final third per 90 (1.6) – able to make overlapping runs if needed, offering an added creative threat in key areas to Arteta’s side.

However, Hincapie was just as impressive out of possession, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 and achieving a 60% aerial success rate – tallies which could further bolster the club’s defence, which has been the best in the Premier League in each of the last two seasons.

Whilst £52m may appear to be a hefty sum for the youngster, it’s one that can finally put an end to the club’s hunt for a consistent starter on the left-hand side of the backline.

If he can transfer his numbers from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, Hincapie would be a phenomenal pickup and one that could prove to be more important than Eze in the Gunners’ hunt for Premier League glory.