‘He couldn't make it to the next level’ - Super Eagles star explains why Eze failed at Arsenal as a youngster

Former Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo has offered insight into what led to Eberechi Eze's failure at Arsenal in his youth.

Eze, who rejoined Arsenal in August 2025 after a previous five-year stint, was let go by the club as a schoolboy in 2011. 

Following his departure, the attacking midfielder, who is now an England international, had spells at the academies of Fulham, Reading, and Queens Park Rangers.

His breakthrough came at QPR, where his performances earned him a move to the Premier League with Crystal Palace, establishing him as one of England's most dynamic talents. 

Omeruo speaks on Eze

Omeruo explained that top clubs constantly assess their young prospects and are quick to release players who don't meet the required standards for advancement.

He noted that Arsenal released the then 13-year-old because he hadn't reached the necessary level at that specific time.

"In Europe, every club has U10s and U11s, and they graduate," Omeruo stated on Arise News. "Every year, there's a screening; if you don't get to the next level, they take you out."

He continued, referencing Eze's journey: "For example, you know the story of Ebere (Eze) now playing for Arsenal. When he was at Arsenal, he couldn't make it to the next level. 

“It doesn't mean that he wasn't good enough or he would not get to that level, which he did at some point."

Omeruo emphasised that Eze's initial setback was not due to a lack of talent but rather the intense competition for places within elite academies.

"There were other players who were better than him then," he added. "So if you can't get to the next level, you can go to another academy."

Eze recently demonstrated his quality by scoring his first professional hat-trick in Arsenal's dominant 4-1 victory over North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium.