Arteta had earlier declined to comment about Eze when asked to give an update on the player before the game against Leeds.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has revealed that Eberechi Eze called him before deciding to sign for the north London outfit.
He made this known while speaking with
beINSport after the deal for the 27-year-old was announced.
Eze was presented to a buzzing Emirates Stadium crowd ahead of the Gunners’ 5-0 win over Leeds United on Saturday evening.
The England international will cost Arsenal up to £67.5 million and he has been handed the no.10 shirt.
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Before the deal was sealed, local rivals, Tottenham Hotspurs had agreed a deal to sign Eze with Crystal Palace.
While explaining why the attacking midfielder made a U-turn, Arteta confessed that Eze asked him if Arsenal were still interested in signing him from Crystal Palace amid an offer from Spurs.
He went on to disclose that his discussion with the midfielder led to a board meeting.
“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,” he added.
Arteta had earlier declined to comment about Eze when a reporter asked him to give an update on the player before the game against Leeds.
