Former teammate of Eberechi Eze, Angel Rangel, has told Telecom Asia that Arsenal are getting a talented player at the peak of his powers.
Rangel, now retired and managing Pontardawe Town, was teammates with Eze at Queens Park Rangers before the midfielder's move to Crystal Palace.
He recalls how determined Eze was even back then.
I’m happy for him football has many stories and this is one that will motivate kids when they see it. There’s no doubt about his talent and he’s shown that. What Arsenal are getting first is that raw ability and excitement. But he’s also such a positive guy who plays well in a team so this is a massive deal for both him and Arsenal.
Eze is heading to Arsenal, but just last week he was very close to joining Tottenham who had agreed a fee in principle and were set to announce the deal before Arsenal stepped in.
As a lifelong fan of the Gunners, it's taken him 14 years to realise his dream of playing for the club he grew up supporting.
He’s had to work hard for it, including helping Crystal Palace win the FA Cup last season, scoring the winning goal along the way.
Rangel, who appreciates the journey of footballers, highlights the importance of patience in a player's development.
You see kids today who want everything now, instantly. But he’s shown you can arrive at a top club at a decent age, what is he, 27? and still make it. There are people who just start and, after two seasons, want to rush and make a big move. But that’s not how it works. You have to earn it by putting in the hours.
Eze is now expected to say a proper goodbye to Palace after their UEFA Conference League match and then Arsenal are likely to announce the deal shortly afterward.
He could make his debut when Arsenal travel to Leeds United this weekend, or, if not, the following weekend away at Anfield against Liverpool.
As for Crystal Palace, Telecom Asia understands they are eyeing Bilal El Khannouss as a possible replacement for Eze, aiming to strengthen the squad ahead of what is expected to be a challenging domestic and European campaign.
