In a season full of high-profile transfers and unexpected twists, Eberechi Eze has thrust himself into the spotlight with a stunning hat-trick in Arsenal’s 4-1 thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby. The England international, who Arsenal snatched from under Tottenham’s nose in a dramatic summer hijack from Crystal Palace, is now being hailed by many as the Premier League’s signing of the season. But is he really? With six goal contributions in just 11 league games, Eze’s impact is undeniable, yet our panel of writers argues that three other standout signings—Gianluigi Donnarumma at Manchester City, Granit Xhaka at Sunderland, and Martin Zubimendi at Arsenal itself—could steal the crown. Let’s break down the debate.

BREAKING: Is Eberechi Eze the Signing of the Season? Arsenal Hat-Trick Heroics Boost Case but Arguments Made for Three Alternatives

Eze’s Case: A Derby Hero and Arsenal’s New Star

Eze’s arrival at Arsenal for £67.5 million (including add-ons) raised eyebrows, but his performance against Spurs has silenced doubters. Choosing the perfect stage for his first Premier League hat-trick, the 27-year-old dismantled Tottenham’s defense, helping propel the Gunners to the top of the table. Starting in eight of his 10 appearances so far, Eze has proven to be a reliable creator and finisher, essential to Mikel Arteta’s title charge.

Fraser Fletcher praises Eze’s talent and character: “Eze is a superb signing for Arsenal; his talent was undeniable, and he had the opportunity to move to four of the top five clubs in the country. It’s no surprise he is being discussed as the signing of the season, and it’s brilliant to see him thriving—as off the pitch, he is known for being a very good person.”

Harry Watkinson echoes this, emphasizing the value: “Arsenal beat Tottenham to Eze’s signature over the summer, and his sensational hat-trick showed just how important that was for Mikel Arteta. £67.5m for a player of Eze’s quality is not a huge sum compared to what other top clubs have spent. He will be essential to their title charge.”

Samuel Bannister adds a rivalry twist: “The fact that Arsenal signed Eze at the expense of their rivals definitely adds a layer to his story, especially with what he went on to do on Sunday. Eze is on his way to winning his battle for his shirt at Arsenal, who got their recruitment right this summer.”

Yet, while Eze’s heroics boost his case, the consensus is that consistency over the full season will be key. As Bannister notes, “For him to be classed as the signing of the season, I believe he needs to score in more games, but the derby hat-trick can be a springboard.”

Alternative 1: Gianluigi Donnarumma – Manchester City’s Long-Term Guardian

Not everyone is convinced Eze takes the top spot. Fraser Fletcher points to Manchester City’s acquisition of Gianluigi Donnarumma as a potential deal of the season. The Italian goalkeeper, a world-class talent, joined City on what Fletcher describes as a “nominal fee in terms of the modern market.”

“City’s acquisition of Donnarumma has to be in the mix—a world-class goalkeeper who they could have for 10 years,” Fletcher argues. In a league where defensive solidity often decides titles, Donnarumma’s presence could provide City with stability for the next decade, making him a shrewd investment that outshines flashier attacking signings.

Alternative 2: Granit Xhaka – Sunderland’s Transformative Leader

The most frequently mentioned rival to Eze is none other than former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, who made a surprise return to the Premier League with newly promoted Sunderland. Leaving Bayer Leverkusen after winning the Bundesliga, Xhaka has been instrumental in Sunderland’s remarkable start, turning them into a competitive force.

Samuel Bannister highlights Xhaka’s impact: “The best signing of the season so far could well be a former Arsenal player at a different club, in the shape of Granit Xhaka at Sunderland. Xhaka was a statement signing for Sunderland after their promotion, and it’s hard to overlook his importance to the kind of team they’re becoming. For contrast, Eze arrived at a high-performing team and is matching the level. Xhaka joined a developing team and is helping them become better.”

Harry Watkinson agrees: “The England star [Eze] is certainly one of the best signings so far, though I do believe former Arsenal man Granit Xhaka, who has been superb since joining Sunderland, also has a claim for top spot.”

Subhankar Mondal goes further: “Sunderland have been the surprise package of the season, and Granit Xhaka has been their best player. The impact that the former Arsenal star has made for the Black Cats in the middle of the park is much bigger than Eze’s at the Emirates Stadium.”

James Holland rounds out the praise: “Eze has been outstanding for Arsenal, but my Premier League signing of the season so far is Granit Xhaka. Eyebrows were raised when Xhaka returned to the Premier League with Sunderland, but the move has proven to be a masterstroke. He has led by example both on and off the pitch, transforming Sunderland’s midfield. Xhaka tops a host of the Sunderland squad statistics this campaign, including assists, key passes, and crosses. While it is unlikely the Black Cats will be able to qualify for Europe this term, Xhaka’s leadership and quality will ensure they establish themselves as strong competitors in the top flight.”

Xhaka’s ability to elevate an underdog side gives him an edge in the “impact” category, making his signing a fairy-tale story in a season of surprises.

Alternative 3: Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal’s Unsung Engine

Intriguingly, one writer argues that Eze isn’t even Arsenal’s best signing. Subhankar Mondal nominates Martin Zubimendi, the Spanish midfielder who joined from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2025, as not just Arsenal’s top addition but the league’s overall best.

“Eze is not even the signing of the season for Arsenal—it is Martin Zubimendi, who, for me, was the best signing made by any Premier League club in the summer of 2025,” Mondal states. “There are reports in Spain that Real Madrid regret not signing Zubimendi before he joined Arsenal, and that speaks volumes about the Spain international midfielder. Zubimendi is very good, with and without the ball. The 26-year-old is quick, works hard, and helps team-mates around him look better and play their natural game. What is remarkable is that Zubimendi is very consistent. He is the player who is making Arsenal tick at the moment.”

Mondal also tempers the Eze hype: “True, Eberechi Eze scored a brilliant hat-trick against Tottenham Hotspur, but one swallow does not make a summer… Just because Eze has just scored three goals in a single match does not make him the signing of the summer. Eze was always expected to shine for Mikel Arteta’s side anytime.”

Zubimendi’s understated role in Arsenal’s midfield could prove pivotal, especially if the Gunners maintain their title push.

Verdict: Too Early to Call, But the Debate Rages On

With the Premier League season still young, declaring a definitive signing of the season feels premature. Eze’s derby demolition has certainly boosted his credentials, but the cases for Donnarumma’s longevity at City, Xhaka’s leadership at Sunderland, and Zubimendi’s consistency at Arsenal are compelling. As the campaign unfolds, these players’ contributions will be scrutinized further. For now, Arsenal fans can revel in Eze’s magic—while keeping an eye on the competition.

What do you think? Is Eze the standout, or does one of the alternatives deserve the nod? Share your thoughts in the comments below.