LONDON -- Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Eberechi Eze rang him to explore whether Arsenal were interested in signing him as he stood on the brink of finalising a move to north London rivals Tottenham.

Eze was unveiled to a joyous Emirates Stadium crowd minutes before Saturday's 5-0 win over Leeds United having completed his £67.5 million ($91m) move from Crystal Palace earlier in the day.

Spurs had agreed a deal to sign Eze following extensive talks between the two clubs but a report suggested the 27-year-old spoke with Arteta, triggering a board meeting at which Arsenal decided to go for the player -- a move which takes their summer spending to more than £260 million ($352m).

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