Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says the signing of Eberechi Eze shows the club is serious about winning the Premier League title this season.
The 26-year-old midfielder joined from Crystal Palace in a deal worth £60 million plus £7.5 million in add-ons, after Arsenal beat Tottenham to his signature.
Eze becomes the Gunners’ latest addition in a busy summer that has seen Viktor Gyokeres, Cristhian Mosquera, Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, and Noni Madueke arrive, taking Arsenal’s spending to around £260 million.
“We are showing ambition. We want to win trophies and improve every year,” Arteta said ahead of Saturday’s game against Leeds. “We don’t want to be chasing; we want to stay in front.”
He also dismissed claims that the signing was a response to Kai Havertz’s injury, saying the club had already planned the move.
Eze, who was once in Arsenal’s academy before being released as a teenager, is said to be excited about returning to his boyhood club.
Arteta added: “The better the feeling, the stronger the will. It always brings something extra.”
Arsenal started the season with a 1-0 win over Manchester United and will hope Eze’s arrival boosts their title push.
