Mikel Arteta claims Eberechi Eze has 'special aura' as boyhood Gunners fan prepares for debut

Eze has quickly impressed new manager Arteta, who has been full of praise for the attacker ahead of his potential competitive debut for Arsenal against Liverpool at Anfield this Sunday. The Spanish head coach explained the impact Eze has had on him since joining the club last Saturday and had nothing but positive things to say about the club's newest addition.

The boyhood Gooner marks his return to Arsenal 14 years after he was released from the club's academy as a 13-year-old. Eze will don the iconic No.10 shirt at the Emirates after arriving on a four-year deal in a move worth £67.5 million (€78m/$91m) including add-ons. The former Crystal Palace man was initially headed to Tottenham Hotspur, but one phone call to Arteta changed his fate in what has been described as his dream move.

While addressing the media on Friday, Arteta said: “I’m really impressed with him. I heard a lot of things about him. I spoke to a lot of people about him. He’s really bright, has very special energy and a special aura around him. He's really willing.

“He's already gathered a lot of information on the things that we want to see on the pitch. But especially, making sure that he has the freedom and the capacity to express his quality, which is the reason why we brought him here.

“I think when you are next to him, you are comfortable. He's got a big smile. He asks you the right questions. And then just let him flow with that ball and the ability he has to pick passes, to drive past people effortlessly and just to understand the timing of things, very impressive."

The England international has been training with his new team-mates since joining the club and could make his bow on Sunday at Anfield. When asked if Eze would slot straight into the lineup against the defending champions, Arteta didn't give away much. “We have options in that position and that's a good thing that we have this year," the Gunners' gaffer added. "So let's see. I'm not going to give you any clues obviously.”