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Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes Eberechi Eze will be a game-changing signing for the Gunners and could be what is needed to win the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta's side agreed a deal to sign the attacker from Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, hijacking his expected move to north London rivals Tottenham. Following the breaking news, Merson has expressed his thoughts on the transfer.
The ex-Gunner feels the addition of Eze will propel his former side from title hopefuls to champions, labelling him as a "brilliant" and "game-changer" for his new club and citing what he can do on the pitch for Arsenal.
Paul Merson believes Arsenal win the league with Eberechi Eze
Writing for Sky Sports News, Merson claimed that Eze has the 'X-factor' Arsenal have needed and is the player Arteta requires in tight games.
The former England man wrote: "Arsenal struggle when teams come to the Emirates and put everyone behind the ball. Teams want to limit the space Arsenal have to play in and they have struggled to break teams down with those tactics.
"We've seen it over the last few years where they have struggled to break teams down when it gets right to the business end of a game and the business end of a season. For me, that's where Eze comes in at Arsenal, he's got the X-factor and in tight, tight games, he has the ability to break a low block down.
"Away from home, maybe he's not the answer. Against the likes of Liverpool and Man City, they may come under the cosh for a bit, and they may have to play slightly differently.
"But that's why you have a big squad. At home, against the lesser teams, where they have 70 to 80 per cent of the ball, let Eze go and do what he wants because he will make something happen."
While Merson has come under some criticism for his football theories in recent years, his beliefs on Eze are very much correct. The Gunners have long needed a player who can bring that special moment at times of struggle and the soon-to-be ex-Palace man will be very capable of doing that.
If Arsenal allow Eze to shine, they will reap the rewards as he brings those moments of greatness on the pitch and that makes his signing all the more brilliant.
When questioned if Eze can be a difference maker in the Gunners' bid for the title, Merson said: "I think Arsenal win the league with Eze. They had a chance without him because it's a real heads or tails season with Liverpool, and Man City played well on the opening weekend, but Eze help get them over the line."
Once again, Merson is very right in saying this. The Gunners have come so close to pipping their superiors to the title in two of the previous three seasons, but have lacked that player who can help them go that extra length.
Many will view Eze, along with Viktor Gyokeres and this summer's other signings, as one of the final pieces of Arteta's puzzle, providing the Spaniard with a world-class squad capable of competing and winning the trophies.
With City and Liverpool both looking impressive in the early stages of the campaign, it will certainly be a tough season for Arsenal, but with Eze added to their ranks, they now have the full potential to take the extra step and beat their rivals to the title. This year could ultimately be very exciting for the Gunners.