BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand says he would like Arsenal to make a move for Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze in the future.

The 24-year-old has been in good form this season, having scored seven goals in 31 Premier League appearances, and Ferdinand believes he could be Granit Xhaka’s long-term successor:

“Smooth. If you’re talking about one of the smoothest ballers in the game, in the Premier League right now, Eze’s up there. Mad player. He’s playing like he’s in the cage. Just smooth, man. He doesn’t seem fazed either. Every situation you put him in, he’s just calm.”

“And he’s in that position where he turns and faces up midfielders or defenders; he can go past people, slip people in and finish. He’d be good at Arsenal, you know. In the [Granit] Xhaka position. Another year.”

It is certainly a left-field choice but Ferdinand is right to be praising Eze. He is a very gifted player who has excellent composure when in possession.

Considering that manager Mikel Arteta has been deploying Xhaka in a more advanced role in midfield this season as well, Eze would probably be a decent fit for the position.

So far, though, there have been no credible links in terms of the Gunners being interested. In fact, the most recent rumours have suggested one of Eze’s teammates, Wilfried Zaha, being a more likely target, with the Ivorian international set to be available on a free transfer this summer.