You don’t need him — Ferdinand tells Arteta to forget about signing Eagles star

Rio Ferdinand has expressed doubts about Arsenal’s pursuit of Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has indicated that the club is not done with incomings for this summer, and Eze is one who has featured prominently in reports.

Speaking on his podcast on Monday, Ferdinand argued that Arteta should only consider signing Eze if Declan Rice is deployed as a holding midfielder.

Arsenal, who have been active in the summer transfer window, are reportedly interested in Eze, despite his £68million release clause expiring last week. It’s understood the Gunners are looking to offload players before making an official move for the Palace star.

Ferdinand questioned Eze’s fit in Arsenal’s current setup, saying, “Why do Arsenal need Eze? Where is he going to play?

"You’ve got Martin Zubimendi as a holding midfielder, Declan Rice on the left-hand side of the No.8, and Martin Odegaard on the right-hand side.

Eze was a standout performer in the Premier League last season, guiding Crystal Palace to FA Cup success and becoming a key player for England under Thomas Tuchel.