Eberechi Eze Chose Arsenal Over Spurs After Personal Call to Arteta

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed the behind-the-scenes moment that secured Eberechi Eze’s big-money move to the Emirates.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who joined the Gunners from Crystal Palace in a deal worth up to £67.5 million, was unveiled to a roaring crowd before Arsenal’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Leeds United on Saturday.

Eze, now wearing Arsenal’s iconic No. 10 shirt, had also been on the verge of joining North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, with Spurs reportedly agreeing a deal before a personal phone call changed everything.

Speaking to beIN Sports, Arteta shared:

“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.”

According to Arteta, Eze reached out personally to ask if Arsenal were still interested despite Spurs’ strong advances—prompting swift discussions at the Arsenal board level, which eventually led to his signing.

Opinion: Arsenal’s No. 10 Is More Than Just a Shirt

Eze’s decision is more than just a transfer; it’s a statement. For many players, the Arsenal No. 10 carries legacy and expectation—Dennis Bergkamp, Jack Wilshere, and Mesut Özil all made the shirt iconic in their own eras. By choosing Arsenal over Spurs, Eze hasn’t just picked a team; he’s embraced the weight of history and ambition.

And perhaps, this is where Arsenal under Arteta stand out: a manager who isn’t just a coach but a convincing presence in defining players’ careers. Eze’s phone call wasn’t just about football; it was about trust, vision, and belonging.

For Tottenham, missing out on a creative force like Eze will sting, but for Arsenal fans, this is yet another sign that the club is no longer just building for the future—it’s acting decisively in the present.

If Eze thrives in red and white, this phone call could go down as one of the most pivotal moments in Arsenal’s transfer history.