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Eberechi Eze already appears to have a close friend at Arsenal and it’s not Bukayo Saka

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Arsenal signed Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace two weeks ago, and the attacking midfielder already appears to have settled in.

The Gunners were on the market for a creative player who can operate centrally, as well as someone who can be used on the left wing and usurp the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard in the pecking order.

Andrea Berta identified Eze as the ideal man to fulfil this role in Mikel Arteta’s squad, and moved quickly to secure him for £67.5 million.

The 27-year-old made his debut in red and white last week against Liverpool at Anfield, and will hope to be granted his first start against Nottingham Forest next weekend.

Eberechi Eze reacts during his Arsenal debut against Liverpool
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke appear to already be friends

Eze returned to his boyhood club this summer.

The former Queens Park Rangers man returned to the club that he spent his early years developing at, and he’s not the only player to have made his way back to North London in this transfer window.

Arsenal signed Noni Madueke from Chelsea for £52 million, with the winger returning to the area of England’s capital in which he was born and raised.

The Gunners now have more players in their squad from the area in which the club is based than most other teams in the Premier League.

The likes of Eze, Madueke, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly all originate from London, and fans will be delighted that they have players with whom they can resonate.

Eze and Madueke have already played for England together, but have seemingly become better friends during the latest international training camp, after having both signed for Arsenal.

In the training video released by the England YouTube channel, the two wide men were captured laughing together as they attempted a drill involving a ball and a hoop, initiated by Thomas Tuchel’s coaching team.

The Gunners faithful and Arteta will be delighted to see that this bond is growing stronger, with the Arsenal squad seemingly becoming more harmonious.

Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka during England's September Nations League Camp.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images

Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke will likely both start for Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

Arsenal take on Nottingham Forest at the Emirates after the international break.

Saka is currently recovering from a hamstring injury that he sustained against Leeds in August, and may not be ready in time to start against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

Thus, Madueke will likely be given another opportunity to start on the right wing by Arteta.

Statistical Comparison 2024/25 (League Only)
StatEzeMadueke
Appearances3432
Goals87
Assists83
Shots per 903.483.54
Expected Goals per 900.360.42
Key Passes per 902.011.42
Expected Assists per 900.220.19
Successful Take-ons per 902.331.99
Eberechi Eze vs Noni Madueke Statistical Comparison 2024/25 (Premier League Only) – via FBRef

Meanwhile, Martinelli struggled against Liverpool and could be dropped for the clash against Forest.

This should leave a spot open on the left-hand side of Arsenal’s attack to be filled by Eze, and Gunners supporters will no doubt be excited to see the two new signings start in the same team.