Mikel Arteta aims subtle dig at Tottenham after winning Eberechi Eze transfer race

Mikel Arteta has spoken about what Arsenal look for in a new player after hijacking Tottenham’s move for Eberechi Eze, who is joining the Gunners in a £67.5million transfer.

Mikel Arteta says wanting to play for Arsenal is the “number one” requirement for any new signing. The Gunners are set to complete a £67.5million move for Eberechi Eze this weekend and the England star is a huge boyhood Arsenal fan.

Crystal Palace forward Eze, 27, has agreed terms and is undergoing a medical before completing his switch to the Emirates. He will, however, be confirmed too late for him to make his debut against Leeds on Saturday.

It comes after Arsenal swooped in to sign Eze from under Tottenham’s noses as they pulled off a major transfer coup with the England international keen to join his boyhood heroes.

When asked how important it was that any new player wanted to join, Arsenal boss Arteta said: “That’s number one, that they want to be with us, that they feel something special to come to us. Then the person and our personality we’re going to bring, and then the rest comes. I think we’ve done that very, very well in the last few years to create a group of players and the spirit in the team.

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“The better the feeling, the stronger the feeling, I think the better always. Because it brings a different edge, a different will and emotion to what you do. And I think that always brings something extra.”

Arteta refused to comment on Eze even though Palace have effectively said their goodbyes because the Arsenal manager took the view that he cannot until he is confirmed as their player.

Arteta added: “Nothing to comment. I can never talk about any player that is not part of our group, our club yet, so no comment on that. No, I can’t, sorry.”

His words came in stark contrast to Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, who was left to rue another missed opportunity. “In general, talking generally, I don’t want any players that don’t want to come to this club and wear this fantastic badge,” he said. “We don’t want them here and I’m sure the fans feel the same.”

Eze did not feature for Palace in their Conference League play-off first leg against Fredrikstad on Thursday night. Both Palace manager Oliver Glasner and chairman Steve Parish wished him well after the 1-0 win at Selhurst Park.

Arsenal have also confirmed a new deal for Leandro Trossard to end any doubt that he was staying at the club this summer.

Arteta added: “I’m really, really happy with Leo. That situation has been resolved in a really great way, and I think he deserves our recognition and we are very happy to have him.”

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