Gunners
Theo Walcott Urges England Star to Reject Arsenal Move
As the transfer window deadline approaches, the race for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze continues to dominate headlines, with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur locked in a fierce battle for the £68 million-rated star.
However, former Arsenal and England winger Theo Walcott has thrown a curveball into the speculation, advising Eze to snub a move to the Gunners in favor of staying at Palace to secure his place in England’s World Cup squad next summer.
Speaking on the latest episode of the It’s Called Soccer! podcast, Walcott’s comments add a new dimension to Eze’s potential transfer decision, just two days before the Premier League season kicks off.
Eze’s Rising Stock
Eberechi Eze, 27, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s brightest talents following a stellar 2024/25 season with Crystal Palace. His standout moment came in May 2025, when he scored the winning goal in Palace’s historic FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, securing the club’s first major trophy.
That Eberechi Eze #EmiratesFACup Final winner from all angles 😍 pic.twitter.com/OXZ5XatGBP
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) July 16, 2025
This season, he added the Community Shield to his accolades on August 10, 2025, despite missing a penalty in the shootout against Liverpool. With 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances last term, Eze’s flair, versatility, and international pedigree—highlighted by his inclusion in England’s Euro 2024 squad—have made him a prime target for top clubs.
Arsenal, who released Eze from their academy at age 13, see him as a potential solution to their need for creativity on the left flank, where Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have underperformed.
Tottenham, meanwhile, view him as a replacement for the injured James Maddison and the departed Heung-Min Son. Reports from Metro indicate Eze is “very tempted” by a return to Arsenal, his boyhood club, but Walcott’s advice could sway his thinking as the transfer window nears its end.
Walcott’s World Cup Warning
Theo Walcott, who made 108 appearances for Arsenal and earned 47 England caps, believes Eze’s best chance of shining at the 2026 World Cup lies in remaining at Crystal Palace.
Speaking on It’s Called Soccer!, Walcott argued that a move to Arsenal could jeopardize Eze’s game time due to the intense competition for places. “If he has a good season at Palace, he will go to the World Cup, I’m pretty sure of that… then what other teams will have a look at him after that?”
Walcott said. “If I was Eze, I would probably stay put just because it’s World Cup year.”Walcott acknowledged Eze’s potential to enhance Arsenal’s squad, stating, “He would improve Arsenal, 100 percent,” but cautioned that the “grass isn’t always greener.”
He highlighted the pressure at Arsenal, where manager Mikel Arteta faces mounting expectations to deliver a Premier League title after a £200 million summer spend on players like Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke.
“There is the pressure of them challenging for the title… being a player that will help the squad, of course he will, he’s an absolutely gifted player. But will he help himself?” Walcott questioned, suggesting Eze’s maverick style might be better nurtured at Palace, where he is a guaranteed starter.
🔴 "I'm hoping this gives Arsenal the kick to go & get him."
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) August 12, 2025
👏 "Arsenal are in a better place. They're the better fit."
Darren Bent urges Eberechi Eze to reject Spurs & join Arsenal pic.twitter.com/3SY8sMtiPL
The Transfer Context
The timing of Walcott’s comments aligns with critical developments in Eze’s transfer saga. On August 12, 2025, journalist Ed Aarons reported on X that Tottenham have reopened talks for Eze, while Arsenal remain in constant contact with his representatives but are waiting to offload players before bidding.
With Eze’s £68 million release clause expired on August 1, Palace are now in a stronger negotiating position, potentially demanding a higher fee given his two years left on his contract and their upcoming UEFA Conference League campaign.
Arsenal’s pursuit is complicated by squad management issues. Football Insider on August 11, 2025, noted that the Gunners are considering sales of Jakub Kiwior and Gabriel Jesus to fund the move, with Jesus’s recent cruciate ligament injury having previously stalled transfer plans.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are motivated by Maddison’s long-term injury and Son’s exit, but their focus on defensive targets might dilute their urgency for Eze.
Strategic Implications
Walcott’s advice reflects a broader debate about Eze’s career trajectory. Staying at Palace could ensure regular minutes, crucial for impressing England manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of the World Cup. Eze’s consistent role in Oliver Glasner’s system, where he thrives as a creative fulcrum, contrasts with the potential bench risk at Arsenal, where Odegaard and Saka dominate.
However, a move to a Champions League club like Arsenal or Tottenham could elevate his profile, especially if he adapts quickly—a gamble Walcott seems wary of given the World Cup stakes.For Arsenal, losing out on Eze could force them to rely on internal solutions like 15-year-old Max Dowman, whose pre-season form has excited fans, or pivot to other targets like Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.
Tottenham, too, might turn to alternatives such as Southampton’s Tyler Dibling if Eze opts to stay put. Palace, buoyed by their European qualification and a 15 percent sell-on clause owed to QPR, are unlikely to let Eze go cheaply, adding further intrigue.
🚨⚪️ Eberechi Eze, keen on Tottenham move as Palace are informed of his desire to play Champions League football.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 12, 2025
Deal now depends on club to club talks but Spurs are seriously working on it, as reported earlier. pic.twitter.com/cVhC0VLPUw
Conclusion
As the clock ticks toward the transfer deadline, Theo Walcott’s counsel introduces a personal angle to Eze’s decision-making process. With Arsenal leading the race per Football Insider and Tottenham pushing hard, Eze faces a pivotal choice: prioritize immediate club glory with Arsenal or safeguard his international future by staying at Palace.
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