Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has robustly defended the club's decision to sign Eberechi Eze, hitting back at suggestions manager Mikel Arteta made a costly £67.5 million transfer blunder.
Eze's Subdued Start Sparks Debate
The Gunners secured the signature of the England international forward from Crystal Palace last summer, beating fierce north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the deal. The move was a dream for Eze, who grew up supporting Arsenal.
However, the 27-year-old has managed just two goals in his first 15 appearances for the club. One of those strikes came against League One side Port Vale in the Carabao Cup. While he memorably scored a hat-trick against Tottenham in a 4-1 derby victory, he has now gone eight consecutive games without finding the net.
This dip in form has seen him lose his place in Arteta's starting line-up. His recent cameo in the 4-1 FA Cup win over Portsmouth did little to convince the manager he deserves an immediate recall.
Parker and Merson Voice Concerns
The slow start has prompted criticism from several pundits. Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker claimed last month that Arteta was wrong to sign Eze, arguing the player's natural freedom has been stifled at the Emirates.
"Eze was outstanding last season, I think he was the best attacking midfielder in the Premier League," Parker said. "They bought him for what he was delivering and then when they got him, they’ve tried to get him to do something different. It doesn’t make sense for that kind of money."
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has also expressed worry, suggesting Eze may struggle to regain his starting spot and that his form could damage his chances of selection for next summer's World Cup.
Smith's Emphatic Defence and Odegaard Boost
However, Gunners hero Alan Smith, who scored over 100 goals for the club, has offered a full-throated defence of the transfer. Speaking to Metro.co.uk on behalf of BestBettingSites.co.uk, Smith insisted Eze remains a "really good player" who will have a major role in the title race.
Smith also presented a compelling positive side-effect of Eze's arrival, suggesting the competition has "helped" and "pushed" captain Martin Odegaard to rediscover his best form.
"I still think Arsenal were right in signing him," Smith stated. "I think at times they’ve tried to get him and Odegaard in the same side, and it looked a bit awkward. But I actually think Eze coming has helped Odegaard. It’s pushed him on a bit."
He added: "He’ll have a big part to play... He’s a great man to have in your squad and in your first 11 when he’s playing well. I don’t think there are any real concerns there."
With Arsenal sitting six points clear at the Premier League summit, Smith believes the squad's strength means the club does not need to enter the January transfer market for reinforcements.
"They’re so well covered," he explained. "They’re one of the few sides that you’d say, no, they don’t need anything. There’s always a possibility that you just go a bit far, and you’re overloaded with your squad."
Arsenal's focus now turns to the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea on Wednesday night, followed by a Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest next weekend.
