While last season didn`t deliver the major trophy many Arsenal fans hoped for, it certainly wasn`t a total failure. Mikel Arteta`s side demonstrated significant progress, reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 16 years and securing a respectable second-place finish in the Premier League, despite grappling with numerous injury challenges.
A standout performer throughout the campaign, particularly when fit, was Bukayo Saka. The England international elevated his game to a new level, ending the season with an impressive contribution of 12 goals and 14 assists across 37 appearances in the league.
Saka`s 23/24 Premier League Season | |
---|---|
Appearances | 37 |
Starts | 30 |
Minutes | 2619` |
Goals | 12 |
Assists | 14 |
Goal Involvements per Match | 0.70 |
Minutes per Goal Involvement | 100.73` |
News linking Arsenal with a specific Premier League talent is now circulating, and his potential arrival could bring excitement, potentially becoming an ideal teammate for the Hale End star.
Arsenal Target Premier League Stars
Arsenal are focused on building upon their recent resurgence and mounting a serious challenge for honours next season. This ambition naturally leads to links with proven Premier League performers during the summer transfer window, such as Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon.
Madueke is reportedly being valued around £50m. While his potential signing might not universally thrill the fanbase, he offers youth and dynamism, having recorded seven goals and four assists in 32 league games last season.
Similarly, Anthony Gordon`s valuation could reach £80m. He has also displayed promising potential, contributing a combined 39 goals and assists in 85 league appearances since joining Newcastle United.
However, attention has turned to another exciting Premier League talent who appears to be a genuine and achievable target for the Gunners, and someone who would undoubtedly complement Saka`s game: Eberechi Eze.
Reports suggest Arsenal`s interest in the Crystal Palace playmaker is both real and significant. It`s even claimed that the player is `desperate` to make the move to the North London club.
To finalise the transfer, the Premier League runners-up will likely need to trigger his release clause, which is understood to be set at approximately £68m.
Securing Eze would represent a considerable financial outlay, but his consistent performances in recent campaigns indicate he would be a worthwhile investment and an excellent addition alongside Saka.
Why Saka Will Love Eze
Perhaps the most compelling reason for Saka to be enthusiastic about playing with Eze is the latter`s impressive attacking output.
Despite playing for a mid-table Crystal Palace side, Eze demonstrated his game-changing ability with a remarkable return of 14 goals and 11 assists across 43 appearances last season, accumulating 3303 minutes on the pitch.
This averages out to a goal involvement approximately every 1.72 games, or every 132 minutes played.
Eze`s 23/24 Season Output | |
---|---|
Appearances | 43 |
Minutes | 3303` |
Goals | 14 |
Assists | 11 |
Goal Involvements per Match | 0.58 |
Minutes per Goal Involvement | 132.12` |
Imagining Saka playing alongside someone with Eze`s consistent productivity suggests the Gunners` number seven could see his own goal and assist numbers significantly boosted.
Furthermore, Eze has proven to be a player who thrives on the big occasion. Last season, he opened the scoring in Palace`s FA Cup semi-final and then netted the winning goal in the final, securing the club`s first major trophy in their history.
With Arsenal likely to face numerous high-stakes matches next season, Saka would gain a teammate he can rely on to deliver impactful performances in crucial moments.
Finally, if the goalscoring `superstar` makes the move to the Emirates this summer, he could potentially forge a formidable partnership with Saka not only at club level but also internationally, as both players are increasingly prominent figures in the England setup.
In conclusion, while the £68m release clause makes it a significant investment, Arsenal should seriously consider signing Eze this summer. His arrival could not only elevate the team`s overall performance but also create a potentially game-changing partnership with Bukayo Saka.