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Rio Ferdinand says £20m midfielder wanted by Arsenal is destined for the top
Arsenal have been linked with Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze in recent months as they look to bolster their midfield ranks further.
In November, reported that the Gunners are one of numerous clubs tracking the 25-year-old’s progress at Selhurst Park.
Admittedly, that report came in wake of Eze penning a new deal with his current club, seemingly dealing a huge blow to the likes of Arsenal.
However, with Palace currently struggling – indeed, Mikel Arteta’s charges beat them 5-0 on Saturday – then the likes of the Gunners may well still be keeping tabs on the man.
covered Arsenal’s meeting with Palace and, speaking ahead of the match, Rio Ferdinand sung Eze’s praises, saying he could play for the very best teams.
The pundit also revealed that he had spoken to active players about the reported Gunners target, and they say he’s a very “elusive” and “unpredictable” opponent.
“This kid, no disrespect to Palace, could go on and play for one of the top teams,” said Ferdinand.
“He’s got that individual brilliance; he’s got the awareness when he’s dribbling to keep his head up and bring others into play.
“I speak to other players that play against him, and they say he’s such an elusive player, unpredictable in the way that he carries the ball, but also [his strength].
“If you look at the size of him, he’s got the strength and power to go with it. Again, you’ve got to get out on the pitch and you’ve got to be available.”
Eze is an outstanding player and would no doubt be a great signing for Arsenal, or indeed any other club.
Admittedly, it’s difficult to imagine him making a move in January, as no club would want to lose such a key asset in mid-season, particularly a team that’s looking over their shoulders at the bottom three.
Nevertheless, there could well be interest in Eze at the end of the season, and with Arsenal potentially looking at bolstering their midfield ranks, it could be one to watch.