Eberechi Eze can still make Arsenal appearance vs Leeds despite transfer deadline missed

Eberechi Eze could be poised to make his debut appearance at the Emirates Stadium wearing an Arsenal shirt. The 27-year-old has graced the Gunners' home ground on numerous occasions, though those visits came whilst representing Crystal Palace - a chapter that appears to have reached its conclusion.

"Ebs will not play for us anymore so it does not make sense to talk about him. It's gone," Palace manager Oliver Glasner confessed following his team's 1-0 Conference League triumph over Fredrikstad.

"I thought he would play... he called me and said he didn't feel well. You have to ask him (why), maybe in a few days. No (I don't think he will play for the club again)." Despite Glasner's explanation for the player's absence, it seems highly probable that his pending move to Arsenal was likely the real reason for his absence.

Mikel Arteta was also questioned about Eze during his Friday press conference, and whilst the Arsenal manager provided a considerably more guarded response, he did suggest developments were afoot.

"Nothing to comment," he acknowledged regarding Eze. "I can never talk about any player that is not part of our group, our club yet, so no comment on that." That situation appears set to alter imminently, with Eze completing his medical examination on Friday morning.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that all paperwork between both clubs has been finalised, with the deal awaiting only an official announcement to be made. The timing of that remains uncertain, but it could feasibly occur between 5-7pm.

This coincides with Arsenal's match against Leeds United, making an unveiling at the Emirates Stadium a potentially perfect announcement.

Earlier this month, Manchester United showcased new signing Benjamin Sesko at Old Trafford during their pre-season friendly against Fiorentina. Despite all formalities being completed, Eze will not be making his debut tonight.

The cut-off to include him in Arteta's squad for this specific match was 12pm on Friday and since that time has passed, he would be ineligible. Even if Arsenal had been able to confirm his arrival before that deadline, it is unlikely he would have played given he hasn't trained once with his new teammates.

It's more probable that his debut will come against Liverpool at Anfield, which will certainly be a challenging introduction for Arsenal's new recruit. It's hard to envision him starting that match, but he'll be a valuable substitute to have on hand.