Eze struggles to find form at Arsenal after summer move

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 21 Oct, 10:32 · Archive

Eberechi Eze, who joined Arsenal from Crystal Palace for £60m in summer 2025, is struggling for playing time and form this season.

Eberechi Eze has struggled to replicate his form at Crystal Palace since joining Arsenal for £60m in summer 2025. In his first season at the club, he helped the Gunners win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final. However, this season has been less successful, with Eze scoring one goal in nine appearances across all competitions.

Eze's difficulties became apparent during Arsenal's 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, when he was substituted at half-time after completing just nine passes and 22 touches of the ball. His replacement, Noni Madueke, scored a late winner. The competition for places intensified over the summer when Arsenal signed midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and winger Christos Tzolis.

Former Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew told talkSPORT that Eze's role in the squad has become problematic. 'In the way that he sets his No.10 up I don't see Eze getting a lot of action there,' Pardew said, suggesting that manager Mikel Arteta's tactical system does not suit Eze's playing style. Paul Merson echoed these concerns, saying Eze is a 'lovely player' but must adapt to Arsenal's demands in a way he did not at Palace. 'You've got to perform at Arsenal. You've got to play in a shape. You can't just play your own game,' Merson told Sky Sports. England manager Thomas Tuchel has also hinted that Eze has not been at his best, saying the forward was 'coming back to his true shape and form' during recent international training.

How it is being reported

• Why Eze is struggling to find his form at ArsenalEberechi Eze has been struggling for form this season for Arsenal, but there could be hope that the forward turns it around.BBC News · 21 Oct, 10:22
• Paul Merson raises doubt over future of £60m Arsenal starArsenal legend Paul Merson (Picture: Sky Sports) Paul Merson has questioned whether Eberechi Eze will make it at Arsenal following his disappointing start to the season. Eze joined the Gunners in a £60m move from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2025 and helped Arsenal win the Premier League and…Metro · 20 Oct, 21:24
• Alan Pardew makes worrying prediction for struggling £67m Arsenal star Eberechi EzeFormer Newcastle United and Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew (Picture: talkSPORT) Eberechi Eze ’s Arsenal dream is in danger of fizzling out, fears former Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew. The England international returned to his spiritual home in the summer and enjoyed a glorious homecoming…Metro · 19 Oct, 10:34

In this story: Eberechi Eze · Arsenal · Crystal Palace · Mikel Arteta · Alan Pardew · Paul Merson

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