Introduction
Eberechi Eze has rapidly emerged as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic and creative attackers. If you’re wondering what position Eze plays, how his Arsenal academy roots shaped his career, Mikel Arteta‘s potential interest, and just how old he is—this article offers an in-depth look. Brace yourself for player analysis, club background, and tactical insight.
1. Who Is Eberechi Eze? A Quick Bio
Born on June 29, 1998, in Greenwich, Greater London, Eze is now 27 years old. Of Nigerian (Igbo) heritage, he experienced early academy movements—initially joining Arsenal’s youth setup, but being released at age 13. Subsequent stints at Fulham, Reading, and Millwall followed before his breakthrough at Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in 2016.
At QPR, he thrived—scoring 14 league goals in the 2019–20 season, earning both Player of the Year and placing in the PFA Team of the Year. In August 2020, he signed for Crystal Palace for roughly £17 million and has since become a talismanic figure. Notably, he scored the sole goal in the 2025 FA Cup final, securing Palace’s first-ever major trophy.
2. What Position Does Eze Play?
Eze is primarily an attacking midfielder—the classic “number 10” role—equipped with flair, dribbling, creativity, and the ability to unlock defenses.
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Attacking Midfielder (No. 10): Last season he contributed around 8 goals and 8 assists in 34 Premier League matches, demonstrating his dual-threat capability as creator and finisher.
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Versatility: He can also operate effectively as a left winger or in wider attacking roles, thanks to his dribbling and ability to influence play between the lines.
His ability to dribble in the 86th percentile across Europe underscores his elite level.
3. Arsenal Academy Roots — Hale End Beginnings
Eze’s journey began in the Arsenal academy, also known as Hale End, where he trained before being released at age 13—an emotional setback he later described as feeling like he lost “a huge chunk of his identity”.
Hale End has produced numerous stars and remains one of England’s most respected youth setups. That early experience not only shaped Eze’s technical abilities but also instilled in him the resilience that defines his character.
4. Age and Career Progression
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Date of Birth: June 29, 1998
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Current Age: 27 (as of August 2025).
At this stage of his career, he is in his prime athletic years—with peak maturity in skill, tactical intelligence, and physicality. His development trajectory, from academy cuts to FA Cup hero, offers a compelling narrative for fans and analysts alike.
5. Mikel Arteta & Arsenal — Potential Transfer & Tactical Fit
Transfer Interest and Rumours
Arsenal have been strongly linked with a move for Eze:
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Reports suggest he has a release clause of around £60–68 million, potentially structured with add-ons.
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Eze reportedly prefers a move to Arsenal, the club that originally released him, adding emotional weight to negotiations.
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Arsenal are reportedly looking to pay in instalments, even offering to let Palace retain him temporarily for one final game.
Tactical Integration Under Arteta
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In Arteta’s flexible system—often alternating between 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3—Eze would slot in as the classic number 10, positioned just behind the striker.
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His presence would offer an alternative creative spark to Odegaard, easing pressure or potentially pairing alongside him as dual playmakers.
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His dribbling ability and quickness in tight spaces could provide positional fluidity, essential to Arteta’s high-pressing and dynamic attack.
In short, Eze brings flair, creativity, and versatility—traits fitting Arsenal’s evolving tactical identity.
6. Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eberechi Oluchi Eze |
| Date of Birth / Age | June 29, 1998 — 27 years old (as of Aug 2025) |
| Position(s) | Attacking midfielder (No. 10); also left winger / wide attacker |
| Academy Background | Arsenal (Hale End) until age 13; later at Fulham, Reading, Millwall |
| Current Club | Crystal Palace (since Aug 2020) |
| Labels & Identity | Primarily a No. 10 known for dribbling, creativity, flair |
| Transfer Interest | Catalyzing links with Arsenal; has a £60–68m release clause |
| Tactical Fit at Arsenal | Would enhance Arteta’s creative options, possibly alongside Odegaard |
FAQs
Q1. What position does Eberechi Eze play?
Eze primarily plays as an attacking midfielder (a number 10). He is also effective on the left wing or in wide attacking roles
Q2. How old is Eze and when was he born?
He was born on June 29, 1998, making him 27 years old as of August 2025.
Q3. Did Eze come through the Arsenal Academy?
Yes—Eze joined the Arsenal academy (Hale End) as a youngster but was released at age 13. He then moved through several lower academies before establishing himself at QPR and Crystal Palace.
Q4. How might Mikel Arteta use Eze at Arsenal?
Arteta could deploy Eze in a 4-2-3-1 formation as the central creative force behind the striker. He would either complement or support key creators like Odegaard, offering dribbling ability, chance creation, and fluid attacking movement.
Q5. What is Eze’s current transfer situation with Arsenal?
Arsenal have shown strong interest in signing Eze, with discussions around his £60–68 million release clause and potential payment instalments. Eze reportedly prefers returning to Arsenal, and Palace are open to letting him play a final match before a transfer is finalized.
Conclusion
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Eberechi Eze (27) is a top-tier attacking midfielder with the flair, versatility, and technical skill to transform offensive play.
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His Arsenal academy origins add emotional context to his potential return under Mikel Arteta.
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Tactically, he’d slot seamlessly into Arteta’s system, offering depth and creativity in pivotal positions.
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With rising transfer momentum and fan sentiment, a move to Arsenal seems increasingly plausible.
