BREAKING NEWS:Arsenal is making a late move for Crystal Palace’s star player as they push to finalize the signing. The club remains keen on acquiring Eberechi Eze and is optimistic about bringing the English talent to their ranks. According to Footballwave, Eze has expressed interest in joining his peers at Arsenal and mentioned being encouraged by his England teammates. He stated, “If Arsenal wants me, I’m prepared to join. Saka and Rice have spoken highly of the club and encouraged me to come over; I’m excited about the prospect.” Arsenal is actively pursuing the £60 million-rated star, who is seen as more thrilling than Martinelli.

With the European Championships and Copa América now concluded, clubs across Europe, including those in the Premier League, have a month to focus on their transfer strategies. Arsenal is no exception. Although they haven’t made any new additions to their first team yet, they are still considering a move for Riccardo Calafiori.

In recent weeks, Arsenal has been linked with various talented players, and their latest target, an England star, could be the most exciting addition yet. However, this potential signing could create competition for Gabriel Martinelli.

According to a report from Football Transfers, Arsenal remains interested in Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze. The Gunners are among several clubs looking to secure his services this summer.

The report reiterates that Arsenal had contacted Eze’s representatives, but it also notes a concerning development: Eze currently favors a move to North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur due to concerns about potential playing time at Arsenal.

However, if Mikel Arteta can persuade him, signing Eze would cost the Premier League runners-up around £60 million, according to BBC Sport. While challenging, acquiring Eze could be a great move for Arsenal this summer, though it might pose a threat to Martinelli’s position.

If Eze were to join Arsenal, he would likely play on the left wing, as it is unlikely he would replace Martin Odegaard in the number ten role. This means one of his main competitors for a starting spot would be Martinelli. So, how do the two players compare?

From a pure output perspective, Eze, described as “incredible” by teammate Joel Ward, had a more productive season last year. In 31 appearances, he scored 11 goals and provided six assists, averaging a goal involvement every 1.82 games. In contrast, Martinelli scored eight goals and provided five assists in 44 appearances, averaging a goal involvement every 3.38 games.

When looking at their underlying numbers, the comparison becomes more nuanced. Here’s a breakdown per 90 minutes:

– **Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists**: Eze – 0.59, Martinelli – 0.58

– **Non-Penalty Goals**: Eze – 0.44, Martinelli – 0.27

– **Assists**: Both – 0.18

– **Progressive Passes**: Eze – 4.08, Martinelli – 2.90

– **Progressive Carries**: Eze – 2.98, Martinelli – 5.67

– **Shots**: Eze – 3.59, Martinelli – 2.59

– **Shots on Target**: Eze – 1.45, Martinelli – 0.89

– **Passing Accuracy**: Eze – 77.0%, Martinelli – 77.9%

– **Live Passes**: Eze – 33.3, Martinelli – 39.2

– **Shot-Creating Actions**: Eze – 4.82, Martinelli – 4.10

– **Goal-Creating Actions**: Eze – 0.48, Martinelli – 0.49

– **Tackles Won**: Eze – 0.75, Martinelli – 1.07

– **Successful Take-Ons**: Eze – 3.03, Martinelli – 1.79

– **Ball Recoveries**: Eze – 5.92, Martinelli – 4.24

– **Aerial Duels Won**: Eze – 0.53, Martinelli – 0.67

Eze excels in most metrics, including non-penalty expected goals and assists, actual non-penalty goals and assists, progressive passes, shots, and shots on target.

However, Martinelli comes out ahead in several areas such as aerial duels won, goal-creating actions, tackles won, live passes, passing accuracy, and progressive carries.

Ultimately, Eze appears to be a more exciting prospect than Martinelli based on both output and underlying numbers. Therefore, Arsenal should be eager to bring him to the Emirates this summer.

While his arrival might reduce Martinelli’s playing time initially, it could also push the Brazilian to elevate his game, providing Arteta with two talented left-wingers to choose from based on the match requirements. This potential signing could significantly bolster Arsenal’s squad depth and attacking options for the upcoming season.