Arsenal identify Eberechi Eze transfer alternative but told it would be wrong move

Ademola Lookman is among the players linked to Arsenal this month as he attempts to find a way out of Atalanta. But the Gunners should keep their focus on Eberechi Eze according to former Arsenal ace Jermaine Pennant.

Former Everton and Charlton winger Lookman has been raised as a potential alternative for Crystal Palace star Eze. After tying Ethan Nwaneri down to a new deal it has been suggested Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta's attention could be focused on a player suited to a wider role, which Lookman would appear to fulfil.

The Serie A star has been left furious by his current club's refusal to agree a deal to facilitate his departure, after an agreement with the board. As a result, the 27-year-old has handed in a transfer request.

But for Pennant, a move to sign Lookman would not move the needle. The ex-Liverpool midfielder reckons he would add depth to Arteta's squad but not help their team in their quest to win the league.

"Lookman is a good player and he’s done well at Atalanta but you’ve got to think about whether he can do it consistently in the Premier League and if he’s proven in the league. Is he much better than [Leandro] Trossard?," Pennant told AceOdds.com.

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"He’d be another signing that might add strength in depth but it wouldn’t make me think Arsenal are going to now win the league. Arsenal need top players now."

Pennant instead believes that the Gunners should place their focus on adding Eze to their ranks. The pundit reckons it would lighten the burden currently on Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.

"Personally Arsenal should be signing Eze," Pennant said. "He adds a lot more flair in the midfield. In the past I feel as though they’ve relied heavily on Odegaard to be the creator around the box.

"Eze fits the creative mould perfectly. He can bring players in, he can assist, he picks the ball up and drives past players and we know he can score goals. For me, that’s a very good signing and a signing that elevates Arsenal."

"Look at the figures being handed around for players," he added. "£70m, £80m, even in the £90m’s. Eze at £68m is good business. You’d be happy with that. Liverpool sold Diaz for £65m. If you want to be competitive you’ve got to start paying the bucks and Arsenal are resistant to spending high but you’ve got to pay the money for Eze."

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