Eberechi Eze's Arsenal Role Under Scrutiny

Arsenal's £60m signing Eberechi Eze has become a significant concern for the club after a string of underwhelming performances to start the 2026/27 season. The 28-year-old England international has failed to secure a Premier League start and has not impressed when called upon in the Champions League, raising questions about his long-term role under Mikel Arteta.

Arteta has deployed Eze as a left-winger in the opening weeks of the campaign, a position the manager failed to strengthen during the summer transfer window. This tactical shift is a primary source of the current issues. Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown pointed out that the role does not allow Eze to express himself in the dynamic, central manner that made him so effective at Crystal Palace. His recent showings, including a flat performance in the 1-0 Champions League win over Napoli, have highlighted a player operating out of his best position.

The internal worries at the club are described as 'serious'. Eze has been unable to replicate the influential form he showed last season, where his best work came through the middle of the pitch. With Arteta preferring new signing Christos Tzolis in Eze's usual advanced midfield role, and the central midfield positions already well-stocked, the player finds himself in a tactical cul-de-sac. The concern is that the current setup simply does not utilise his unique talents, leading to a visible downturn in his contributions on the pitch.

While the team has made a perfect start in all competitions, the situation creates a notable squad management challenge for Arteta. The manager's warning to youngster Max Dowman, mentioned in broader squad reports, reflects a drive for standards. But the Eze dilemma is more complex. It involves a high-value asset whose skills are not being maximised, which could impact both the player's confidence and the team's attacking fluidity as the season progresses.

Brown summarised the growing sentiment, stating, "Eberechi Eze is starting to become quite a serious concern for Arsenal. I don't think it's harsh to say we're not seeing the same player there as we saw at Crystal Palace." The core issue remains positional. Until Eze is either reintegrated into a central role or adapts decisively to the wing, these concerns are unlikely to fade.

• Positional Shift: Eberechi Eze is being used as a left-winger, a role that limits his effectiveness compared to his preferred central attacking midfield position.
• Lack of Impact: The £60m signing has not started a Premier League game this season and was underwhelming in a Champions League start against Napoli.
• Internal Worry: Arsenal staff hold 'serious' concerns about his fit within the current tactical system and his overall form.
• Squad Competition: New signing Christos Tzolis is currently preferred in Eze's natural role, complicating his path back into the starting eleven.