'If I’m honest': Eberechi Eze delivers verdict on Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta | OneFootball

Arsenal’s big-money summer signing has endured a mixed first season under Mikel Arteta

Verdict: Eberechi Eze

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Eberechi Eze has opened up on Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s character.

The Gunners had expressed an interest in the midfielder earlier in the transfer window, but did not make their move until the final two weeks - at a time when it appeared the England international was on his way to Tottenham.

Ultimately though, Arsenal beat their north London rivals to the signing.

Discussing the transfer in an interview with Men in Blazers, Eze revealed that he was well aware of Arteta’s character due to a previous conversation between the pair.

"I spoke to him previously so I already knew the type of character he was and it was very cool.

“So I knew that’s the type of conversation I could have.

“He’s an honest guy, he’s straight, he says it how it is.

“If I’m honest, I wasn’t too nervous.”

Upon making the move to the Emirates Stadium, Eze became an instant regular in the Arsenal side and his breakout moment was a hat-trick in the North London derby win over Spurs back in November.

However, with the reverse fixture fast approaching, there’s no guarantee the Arsenal No10 will start, or even, feature at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium having struggled for consistent minutes in the Premier League since the festive period

Eze was overlooked by Arteta to start the 2-2 draw with Wolves on Wednesday night, despite Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz all being unavailable for selection.