Eberechi Eze described a frenetic summer transfer period but said he never doubted his next step as he completed a move to Arsenal and was unveiled at the Emirates Stadium.

The 27-year-old, a boyhood Arsenal fan who spent time in the club’s academy, moved quickly once the club renewed their interest. Arsenal had held a meeting months earlier where the basic framework for a move was agreed, but the process fell quiet for an extended spell and at one stage it appeared he was close to joining Tottenham Hotspur instead.

Just four days separated news of Arsenal’s bid and Eze’s presentation on the pitch, a swift sequence he said he tried to savour. The introduction at the Emirates Stadium was, he added, a “special” moment for him and his family.

On the uncertainty and media attention, Eze was measured. “Worried? No. Because I play football,” he said. “That’s what I do and wherever I am, I want to be the best I can be and I’m confident I’ll do that wherever I am.

“I’m grateful that it’s Arsenal and that I’ve got the opportunity to play there and do what I do and I’m looking forward to it. There’s a lot going on, it’s fun for me. This is why I play football. These are opportunities that you want. This is for me so I am enjoying it as much as I can. And do what I can.”

Reflecting on the presentation, Eze said he focused on the moment and on what it meant to those closest to him. “I was trying to [take it all in] because as you know, you have that moment and then that it’s gone,” he continued.“I was just there, looking at the crowd and watching everything happen and it was a cool moment—more for my family, seeing what it meant to them. I think that’s the special thing for me.

“For me, now, I’m just excited to play, excited to do my thing on the pitch, to work hard, apply myself and get to doing what I do. There’s been a lot of noise off the pitch but I just want to get down and play.

“And it’s not everyone that gets to experience these types of moments but yeah, I try to enjoy it and take it in my stride as much as possible because there’s always something that is coming. There is always another opportunity and challenge coming so that’s how I see it.”

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has publicly placed Arsenal among his principal picks to challenge for the Premier League title, citing the established relationships at the heart of the team. Asked for his title predictions by BILD, Mbappé highlighted Arsenal’s core of players — William Saliba, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka among others — as a reason for optimism that the club could finally end its long wait.

“Of course, Liverpool has to be mentioned first and foremost, as they’re determined to win one title after another,” he explained. “But I also have high hopes for Arsenal, because the core of the team has known each other for a long time, and that’s a crucial factor in football.

“And Manchester City is always at the forefront anyway, with Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland.”

Pressed for a clearer prediction, Mbappé conceded the choice was difficult and offered Arsenal as a possible winner. “That’s tough,” the Real Madrid forward said. “Maybe Arsenal, maybe it will be their year. It would certainly be easier to say City or Liverpool.”

Those remarks arrive with the Premier League table still taking shape after the opening fixtures. Liverpool have opened up a two-point lead after the first three games of the season, a position helped by a 1–0 victory over Arteta’s Arsenal before the international break. Arsenal sit third, with two wins from three games.

Manchester City, meanwhile, have started poorly by their standards and find themselves 13th after two straight defeats, a run that has piled the pressure back on Guardiola. Mbappé’s assessment underlines the tightness of the race and the belief that squad cohesion can be as important as high-profile signings when the title is decided.

William Saliba faces a potentially significant absence after withdrawing from the France squad because of an ankle problem. He had been named in the international group for this month’s fixtures but pulled out soon after discussions with the national team doctor. A statement diagnosed Saliba with a “sprained left ankle”.

According to L’Équipe, the view inside the France camp is that Saliba will not be available until after the October international break, a layoff that could last as much as four weeks for Arsenal. Such a period on the sidelines would come at a difficult time for Arteta’s side, who have a demanding run of fixtures ahead.

In the Premier League the club host Nottingham Forest next weekend and then Manchester City the following week. There is also a trip to Newcastle United and a home match against West Ham United before club football pauses again. Arsenal also appear set to begin their Champions League group phase without Saliba, with Athletic Club and Olympiacos listed among early opponents.

A Carabao Cup third-round tie with Port Vale is also scheduled but Saliba was always likely to be rested for that match. At centre back the short-term options are clear. Cristhian Mosquera replaced Saliba against Liverpool and is a contender to do so again while Deadline Day signing Piero Hincapié may have moved up the pecking order after his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen.

Riccardo Calafiori, who has started the season at left back but can operate centrally, offers further cover, and Myles Lewis-Skelly is ready to return on the left if needed. The club will manage the situation with those options available while monitoring Saliba’s recovery and the timeline set out by medical staff.