Arsenal are pivoting their tactical approach ahead of the new season, and that shift could be decisive for both Viktor Gyokeres and incoming targets. Mikel Arteta is now demanding more directness from his frontline, and sources suggest Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze is at the heart of those plans.
Despite some early promising moments, Gyokeres is still adapting to life at Arsenal. The Gunners have lacked a traditional number nine for years, and their slow, methodical buildup play hasn’t always benefited strikers. That is now changing and Eze might be the final piece to unlock a new-look attack.
Arsenal’s tactical shift could benefit Gyokeres
Gyokeres will score goals at the Emirates but to maximise his output, Arsenal must play to his strengths. That means quicker transitions, more vertical movement, and greater support from wide areas. Noni Madueke may help in that regard, especially if used on the left instead of the right.
Gabriel Martinelli’s inconsistency, underlined again during the 3-2 defeat to Villarreal, has led sporting director Andrea Berta to keep looking for a new left-sided attacker. Eze, although not a natural winger, is now firmly on the radar.
Arsenal push for Eze as Berta reshapes the attack
According to The Times, Arsenal are preparing to approach Crystal Palace over a potential move for Eberechi Eze. The club has already been experimenting with a more direct style during pre-season, a clear sign of tactical evolution designed to suit Gyokeres’ profile up front.
Eze, valued at £60m, can play across multiple roles in the attacking third, making him an ideal fit in Arteta’s fluid system. Arsenal’s interest is long-standing, and this latest push comes as they wait to see how Rodrygo’s situation develops at Real Madrid. The Brazilian remains another top target.
Zubimendi key to faster, vertical progression
Central to Arsenal’s transformation is Martin Zubimendi. The summer signing from Real Sociedad has impressed early and brings progressive instincts from deep, a crucial shift from the slower tempo under Thomas Partey or Jorginho.
Zubimendi’s ability to carry the ball and feed the final third quickly will support Gyokeres, Eze, and Madueke. The Spaniard represents a structural upgrade that enables the tactical shift Arteta is engineering this summer.
What comes next for Arsenal in the transfer market?
Andrea Berta’s success in landing Zubimendi, Gyokeres, and Madueke has already raised expectations. But securing a deal for Eze and possibly Rodrygo would elevate Arsenal into serious title contention.
With the Gunners set to unveil their full-strength squad in the Emirates Cup clash against Athletic Bilbao, the focus now turns to Berta’s next move. If Eze arrives, Arteta will have everything he needs to deploy a dynamic, high-octane attack. The message is clear: this is a team being built without excuses.
