Rodrygo vs Eberechi Eze - stats provide clarity for Arsenal transfer dilemma

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.

READ MORE: Arsenal handed dream Rodrygo transfer update as new approach made and first steps taken

READ MORE: Eberechi Eze to Arsenal transfer twist with huge £35m demand and 'formal bid' update

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.

Availability is key, especially after so many injuries throughout the forward the line impacted last season. Over the past two seasons Rodrygo has been able to make 102 appearances, 82 of which he was named in the Los Blancos starting line-up, whereas Eze's availability has been significantly weaker with 66 starts in 74 total outings.

According to Transfermarkt this has been a result of five separate injuries for the England international, equating to 118 days sidelined and 17 games missed.

In the same timeframe Rodrygo has suffered only three separate problems, keeping him out for 38 days with a total of six matches missed - the more attractive record in this particular field.

Rodrygo vs Eze statistics

Rodrygo	Overall	Eberechi Eze
102	Games Played	74
82	Games Started	66
7063	Minutes Played	5582
31	Goals	25
17	Assists	18
48	Goal Involvements	43
28.0	Expected Goals	21.3
13.4	Expected Assists	13.6

Per 90 minutes

Rodrygo	Per 90 Minutes	Eberechi Eze
3.0	Shots	3.4
1.9	Chances Created	2.2
1.5	Chances Created From Open Play	1.5
0.4	Goals	0.4
0.22	Assists	0.29
0.61	Goal Involvements	0.69
0.36	Expected Goals	0.34
0.17	Expected Assists	0.22
4.5	Dribbles Attempted	5.2
45.6%	Dribbles Successful	48.5%
0.5	Possession Won in Final Third	0.9
58.4	Touches	58.1
7.0	Touches in Opposition Box	4.0
17.3	Total Carries	14.6
9.8	All Progressive Carries	6.9