Eberechi Eze has said that he is “where I’m meant to be” at Arsenal.
The England international arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Crystal Palace towards the end of the recent summer transfer window, in a deal worth £67.5million.
Since making the move to north London, Eze has featured five times in all competitions for his new club, including a goal against Port Vale in the League Cup, and a superb assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s late equaliser against Manchester City in a 1-1 draw.
Where Eze would fit into Mikel Arteta’s 4-3-3 system was a key question that was raised following his transfer, and he has slotted in on the left wing in most of his games so far, before starting as a central No8 against Port Vale.
Eze, who was released by Arsenal as a 13-year-old, believes that he is back where he belongs after a difficult journey.
“I don't think it will ever feel like work,” Eze told Sky Sports of playing for the Gunners.
“It doesn’t feel like work now. I’m just where I'm meant to be and I'm enjoying working every day and enjoying applying myself.
“When I say work, I mean like grafting to achieve something and that’s the mentality. I always enjoy that. I always love that and to be able to do that here is a special thing. I don't think that feeling will leave.”
Upon his departure from Arsenal, Eze moved to Fulham, Reading, and Millwall’s youth set-ups before finding a home at Queens Park Rangers, where he rose to prominence at Loftus Road, earning him a Premier League gig at Palace.
147 appearances and 34 goals across a five-year spell in south London brought him back to Arsenal.
“I don't think I would be the same person if I went all the way through the academy,” Eze said.
“I wouldn’t be, or have, the same character that I have now, so I'm grateful for the journey. I'm grateful for all that I have experienced and everything that has led to this point, and I know that it's part of God's perfect plan.”
