EPL: Arteta says Eze deal shows Arsenal ready for title push

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says the signing of Eberechi Eze proves the Gunners are serious about ending their 22-year wait for a Premier League title.

Eze was close to joining Tottenham from Crystal Palace before Arsenal swooped in with a £60 million deal plus £7.5 million in add-ons.

The England international becomes Arsenal’s latest addition in a busy transfer window that has already seen Viktor Gyokeres, Cristhian Mosquera, Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke arrive, taking the club’s spending to around £260 million.

“We are showing the ambition that we are here to win major trophies and keep improving every year,” Arteta said ahead of Saturday’s clash with Leeds. “We don’t want to be chasing or reacting, we want to be in front.”

The Arsenal boss dismissed suggestions that the deal was linked to Kai Havertz’s knee injury, saying the club had long prepared for the move.

Eze, who started his career at the Arsenal academy before being released as a teenager, is said to be eager to return to his boyhood club.

Arteta added: “The better the feeling, the stronger the will. It always brings something extra.”

Arsenal began their campaign with a 1-0 win at Manchester United and will hope Eze’s arrival strengthens their push for the title.