LONDON (AP) – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta scrunched his lips Friday about the potential arrival of Ebelech Eze from Crystal Palace, confirming Kai Herberts suffered a knee injury.
“We can’t speak yet about players who are not part of our group or club,” Arteta said at a press conference when he asked for comment on Eze, who was reportedly undergoing a medical checkup at Arsenal ahead of the £60 million ($80 million) move.
Growing up supporting Arsenal, Eze played for the club’s youth team before being released at age 13. The offensive midfielder, now England International, could potentially return there, confirming that Ez has left the club on Thursday.
Asked how important it is that the new Arsenal signature wants to play for the club, Arteta said, “It’s number one. They want to be with us.
“The stronger the emotions, the better,” Arteta added. “It brings different edges, feelings, will to what we do.”
If Eze joins, more competition will be added to attack units that may not have Havertz for some time.
The German forward had a knee injury, and Arteta said Herberts needed to take more tests.
“Then you’ll be more clear about the next step,” Arteta said.
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