Eberechi Eze phone call key to £67.5m Arsenal transfer | OneFootball

Eberechi Eze made a phone call to Mikel Arteta on Wednesday to enquire about a transfer to Arsenal, it has been revealed.

The playmaker appeared to be on the verge of joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer after the Lilywhites agreed a transfer fee with Crystal Palace.

But the Gunners gazumped their north London rival to sign him for an initial £60 million plus £7.5m in add-ons.

Eze preferred a move to the Emirates Stadium having grown up as an Arsenal supporter and playing for their academy between the ages of eight and 13.

The 27-year-old was presented to the supporters ahead of their 5-0 win over Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday.

Eberechi Eze phone call key to £67.5m Arsenal transfer

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Arteta confirmed that Eze rang him to check if it was still possible to join his boyhood club.

“Yes, that shows you how much he wanted to come,” he said. “It’s very difficult sometimes because you want to be very transparent and open with the players. They have to make decisions that are very important.”

Arteta added: “I think he [Eze] has the capacity to create these magic moments,” Arteta said. “He’s got that flair, that charisma that is very contagious.

“We know he can play as an attacking midfielder, right or left. He doesn’t care. He plays shifted off the left, as well. I’m sure we will find the right place for him.”

Read – Arteta: Eberechi Eze’s Arsenal connection ‘brings something extra’

Read – The managers with the most money spent since their last trophy

See Also – Five of the most memorable transfer hijackings

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