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Eze Almost a Spur! Arteta Reveals Last-Minute Arsenal Swoop After Phone Call

2025-08-23
Eze Almost a Spur! Arteta Reveals Last-Minute Arsenal Swoop After Phone Call
Daily Mail

The summer transfer window is notorious for its twists and turns, and Arsenal’s acquisition of Eberechi Eze is a prime example. Manager Mikel Arteta has revealed a dramatic behind-the-scenes story, detailing how the Crystal Palace winger almost signed for Tottenham Hotspur before the Gunners intervened.

According to Arteta, Eze was on the verge of joining their north London rivals. In a remarkable turn of events, Eze himself contacted Arteta as he was finalizing the deal with Tottenham. The phone call, as Arteta explains, was a pivotal moment that ultimately led to Eze choosing Arsenal.

“He called me, he was about to sign for Tottenham,” Arteta stated during a press conference. “He wanted to know a few things about the project, about his role, and about how we saw him. And then we moved quicker than everyone else.”

This revelation underscores Arsenal’s aggressive approach to the transfer market and Arteta’s personal involvement in securing key players. The Gunners' swift action left Tottenham red-faced and significantly strengthened their attacking options.

Why Eze Was a Perfect Fit for Arsenal

Eze's arrival brings a dynamic blend of skill, pace, and creativity to Arsenal’s squad. His ability to dribble past defenders, create chances, and score goals makes him a valuable asset in Arteta’s tactical system. The manager highlighted Eze’s potential to elevate the team’s performance, emphasizing his versatility and adaptability.

“We’ve been following Eberechi for a long time,” Arteta added. “We know his qualities, and we believe he can add a lot to our team. He’s a player with a lot of potential, and we’re excited to work with him.”

Tottenham's Missed Opportunity

For Tottenham, this near-miss is a frustrating reminder of how quickly things can change in football. They were so close to securing a talented player who could have significantly bolstered their own attacking lineup. The fact that Eze actively sought Arteta’s input before making his decision further emphasizes Arsenal's appeal and Arteta's persuasive abilities.

Looking Ahead for Arsenal and Eze

With Eze now an Arsenal player, expectations are high. The winger will be eager to prove himself and contribute to the team’s success. Arsenal fans can look forward to witnessing his exciting style of play and his potential to become a key figure in Arteta’s project. The signing is a statement of intent from Arsenal, signaling their ambition to compete for top honors and establish themselves as a force in English football.

The story of Eberechi Eze’s near move to Tottenham and his subsequent arrival at Arsenal is a compelling narrative of ambition, opportunity, and the decisive power of a phone call. It’s a reminder that in the world of football transfers, anything can happen right up until the very last minute.

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