Eze is expected to put together the proceedings for the move to Arsenal in the coming days to provide manager Mikel Arteta with additional attack options.
“Eze is now a proven game changer,” Keon told TNT Sports. “He was the late developer and obviously was in the Arsenal system at the time, but he has shown great character and maturity to develop into one of the best players in the Premier League in recent seasons.”
Keown is a huge admirer of the English International Eze and wants to see him become “the greatest ever” in the Emirates.
“I sat with him when he was at Crystal Palace – Patrick Vieira invited me to talk to him. I asked him what he wanted to achieve when he was at the Palace and he said he wanted to leave the fans with moments he should remember.”
“It’s clear he’s achieved that. Now he needs to set Arsenal and its targets – to become the best of all time and help this club succeed.”
Arsenal has finished second in the Premier League in the last three seasons, and Keun feels that Eze’s acquisition will make them stronger.
“I think he’s ready for the next step and ready to go to the next level,” said the former Arsenal defender, Keon. “It’s a really important signature for the club, adding that strength and depth they were desperately lacking last season.
“The competition for location is essential to winning the trophy. Looking back at the 97/98 teams, they had that quality and depth. It’s the strength and depth that wins the title rather than the first XI.
“Eze gives Arsenal more tactical flexibility and has talent from free-kick and dead-ball situations. And he can get epic goals from afar.”
Kai Havertz is injured and Keown feels that replacing the Eze form is a wise business.
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“Flying Start” – Eze stuns Man City within 8 minutes on Etihad
Video Credit: TNT Sports
“Arsenal fans don’t want the Hubbers to go out for a long time, but that was a wise opportunity for the club and they acted quickly,” Keon said.
Arteta already brought in Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Nuni Maduke, Cristhian Mosquera and Viktor Gyokeres, and Keown was impressed by Arsenal’s work during the summer transfer period.
“This was the most comprehensive transfer window Arteta had and he brought competition and strength to all regions of the team,” Keown said.
“He now has the weapons he needs to achieve success there. He’s been an exciting time for Arsenal last season with (Ethan) Nuwaneri, (Miles) Lewis Skelly and (Max) Dowman coming in.”
Gunner returned to Premier League action over the weekend, with Leeds United traveling to the capital on Saturday night.
