Mikel Arteta reveals Eberechi Eze called him before choosing Arsenal over Tottenham

Eze was officially unveiled to a buzzing Emirates Stadium crowd minutes before Arsenal’s dominant 5-0 win over Leeds United on Saturday, having finalized his 67.5 million pounds transfer from Crystal Palace earlier that day. The midfielder was handed the iconic no.10 shirt upon his arrival.

Although Tottenham had reportedly agreed a deal with Crystal Palace after extensive negotiations, Eze’s phone call to Arteta triggered a board meeting at Arsenal, which ultimately led to the Gunners making a late but successful bid to secure his signature. The addition of Eze takes Arsenal’s summer spending beyond 260 million pounds.

Speaking to beIN Sports about the phone call, Arteta said: "That shows you how much he wanted to come. It is very difficult sometimes because you want to be very open and transparent with the players. They have to make decisions in their careers that are very, very important. I am delighted to have him. You can tell how much it means to him and his whole family. Welcome to our family and I'm sure we are going to have some great moments together."

When asked if Eze brings the "X-factor" Arsenal needs, Arteta was confident. "Without a doubt. I think he has the capacity to create these magic moments. He can do it from different positions, different situations. He's got that flair, he's got that charisma as well about him that is very contagious. And they're using it the right way. He can play different positions. We know he can play as an attacking midfielder, right or left. He doesn't care. He plays shifted off the left as well. He's very comfortable there.

"We'll gather information again the moment he's on that pitch and starts to link and feel connection with people. I'm sure we will find the right place for him."