Mikel Arteta has revealed Eberechi Eze phoned him as he was about to join Tottenham.
Arsenal left their north London rivalsred-faced on Wednesday night when they reached an agreement in principle with Crystal Palace to sign Eze, 27.
Eze had looked Spurs-bound after they spent 10 days negotiating over a deal worth £55million plus add-ons - only for Arsenal to sneak in at the last minute with a bid worth £67.5m.
The 27-year-old completed the move to Arsenal on Saturday and was unveiled in front of fans before their 5-0 win over Leeds.