Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton has revealed how he plans to keep a lid on Eberechi Eze as the newly minted Arsenal star prepares for his first meeting with his former side.
England international Eze was at the centre of a transfer bidding storm over the summer as Tottenham battled with their north London rivals in the war for securing his signature.
In the end, the former Gunners academy prospect plumped for an emotional return to his boyhood club, who had released him at the age of 13.
Eze has since enjoyed a promising start to his time at the Emirates, contributing three assists in his 10 appearances for the club, and will look to continue his new side’s fine Premier League run against Palace on Sunday afternoon.
But Oliver Glasner’s side’s visit to north London may not be without pitfalls for Eze, with his old team-mates already plotting to use their insider information in a bid to disappoint him on the day.
Wharton, who has similarly become part of Thomas Tuchel’s England plans in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup, shared in an interview that was well aware of the threat Eze presented, and noted that there was one thing he wouldn’t be trying against the 27-year-old.
Adam Wharton revealed what he plans to do to try and control former team-mate Eberechi Eze when Palace face Arsenal
The England international made an emotional move across London during the summer window
‘Don’t dive in!’ Wharton told Jamie Redknapp for Sky Sports. ‘Let him make the first move and I can react off that, that’s probably the best move.’
‘Hopefully he doesn’t watch this before,’ the 21-year-old added pointedly.
As well as Eze is thought of by Wharton, the feeling is mutual, with Eze sharing via Redknapp in the interview that he believes the midfielder is wise beyond his years.
‘An incredible player to play with, he’s very calm and composed,’ Eze said of Wharton. For someone so young, he’s very mature, and very wise.
‘When you speak to him it feels like you’re speaking to someone older than you’.
Glasner & Co will be looking to get back to winning ways against the Premier League leaders, having lost in Europe mid-week against Cypriot outfit AEK Larnaca.
But Eze will look to pour cold water on Palace’s plans to spoil their reunion, and show his former team what they’re missing.
The player spoke of his heartfelt decision to move to Arsenal over Tottenham on the eve of the match, speaking in detail about how ‘special’ it was to make his debut for the club earlier this season.
‘I was prepared to go to Tottenham, but from the moment Arsenal came, it was always going to be them,’ Eze told the Athletic.
‘My first (senior) Arsenal game was special. It almost didn’t feel real because it’s something I’ve been dreaming of for a long time.
‘Playing for Arsenal from eight to 13, it’s been in the back of my mind wanting to go back. It felt like the realisation of a dream.’
