Alan Smith Defends Arsenal’s Eze Signing: “He Will Play a Key Role in the Title Race”

Arsenal legend Alan Smith has moved to defend the club’s decision to sign Eberechi Eze, insisting the £67.5 million summer arrival will still play an important role in the Gunners’ Premier League title push.

Eze joined his boyhood club from Crystal Palace last summer amid huge expectations, but his start to life at the Emirates has been underwhelming. The 27-year-old has scored just two goals in his first 15 appearances, with one of those coming in the League Cup, and has recently lost his regular place in the starting XI.

His dip in form even led former Manchester United defender Paul Parker to claim that Mikel Arteta made a mistake by signing him.

But Smith strongly disagrees.

“He will be important”

Speaking in an interview, the former Arsenal striker — who scored over 100 goals for the club — backed both the player and the club’s long-term vision.

“I don’t think it was a bad signing at all,” Smith said. “I still believe he will play an important role in Arsenal’s title challenge.”

Smith also suggested that Eze’s arrival has had a positive knock-on effect on captain Martin Ødegaard, pushing him to raise his level.

“I think sometimes they tried to play Eze and Ødegaard together and it looked a bit awkward. But actually, I feel Eze’s presence has helped Ødegaard. It’s pushed him a bit and helped him find even better form.”

Not a guaranteed starter — but a valuable weapon

Eze has recently been reduced to a squad role and only started in Arsenal’s 4–1 FA Cup win over Portsmouth at the weekend. Still, Smith believes that doesn’t diminish his value.

“He’s a great player to have in your squad,” Smith explained. “If he hits form, he can absolutely be a starter. I don’t see any real cause for concern there.”

Arsenal staying calm in the market

Arsenal currently sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League, and Smith also believes the club’s strong summer spending means there’s no need for panic buying in the January transfer window.

“The way they invested last summer means they don’t need to go crazy in January,” he added.

A slow burn, not a failed transfer

While Eze’s start in North London has been far from explosive, Smith’s message is clear: this is not a failed signing — just a work in progress.

In a title race where depth, rotation, and form swings will decide everything, Arsenal may yet find that Eze’s moment arrives when it matters most.