Arsenal have completed the bulk of their summer transfer business, though there is still more than one month for Mikel Arteta to put the finishing touches to his squad.
The Gunners began their bid to strengthen their squad with the arrival of Kepa Arrizabalaga, patching up the back-up goalkeeper spot that had required attention over and over in recent summers.
Following on, defensive midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard have arrived to fill the void left by Jorginho and Thomas Partey’s recent departures. Also of a defensive mindset is Cristian Mosquera, who joins the back line with plenty of hope for a long-term future at the Emirates Stadium.
But it was always what Arsenal did to boost their attack that was going to be of most interest. The striker they sought, Viktor Gyokeres, is the latest signing and he follows winger Noni Madueke into the club.
In the time that remains in the summer window there is the potential for another threat to join and there are two names the Gunners have looked into that are causing the biggest stir amongst supporters.
First, there is Rodrygo, 24, of Real Madrid, whose future in Spain is uncertain because of a lack of game time since the turn of the year.
And then there is Eberechi Eze, 27, whose contributions last season aided Crystal Palace to FA Cup success and subsequent European qualification.
As for who out of this duo Arsenal should sign, there will be extensive research done to make sure every last penny is spent wisely. Looking at data from over the past two seasons, AceOdds.com show what sporting director Andrea Berta and Arteta will have no doubt already seen…
Statistics gathered from appearances over the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns would show Eze is largely more influential over the course of 90 minutes, particularly with regards to team play and chance creation.
On average, the Englishman creates 2.2 chances per 90 minutes compared to the Brazilian’s 1.9. That said, only from open play they both match with 1.5.
Eze has more assists per 90 minutes, 0.29, and by extension more goal contributions per 90 minutes, 0.69, compared to Rodrygo with 0.22 and 0.61 respectively.
He is then more proactive in driving his current side forward than Rodrygo at Real Madrid. Eze’s 5.2 dribbles per 90 minutes beats his competitor’s 4.5, then averages a 48.5 percent success rate vs the 45.6 percent success rate of Rodrygo.
Arsenal could also benefit from Eze winning the ball back in the final third 0.9 times per 90 minutes on average, which is higher than Real’s winger at 0.5.
But, there is a particularly strong case for Rodrygo – after all the above is out of the way.
The Gunners failed to reach 70 Premier League goals last term, quite possibly the defining factor in their failed title charge against eventual champions Liverpool. Some would argue what they need is a proven consistent goalscorer who can make the difference, not somebody who puts up good averages as a team player.
Rodrygo has scored 31 times over the past two seasons, which is more then Eze’s 25 for Palace. There is also little in their total assists with the La Liga star teeing up teammates 17 times when the Premier League player has done so 18 times.
Overall, it means the Brazilian comes out on top with 48 goal contributions to 43.
And, perhaps the most crucial statistic for Arsenal to consider is actually the most simple of all.