How #AFC signed Eberechi Eze, and why plenty of meetings and legwork came long before the 'hijack'.
- Arsenal made a June approach, as revealed, and a key July meeting took place between Eze, Arteta and Berta.
- Eze always wanted Arsenal, but Nwaneri's new deal stopped a bid in early August.
- Spurs moved after missing out on Gibbs-White and Maddison's ACL. They had backed off earlier in the window prioritising adding the Forest attacker.
- Levy couldn't close the deal before the Premier League season started and this, in hindsight, proved costly. But Spurs didn't think Arsenal would bid last week, so took their time.
- Spurs reached a full agreement with Palace and Eze 48 hours ago, but Havertz's injury meant Arsenal were suddenly in the race.
- Arsenal able to agree a fee quickly on Wednesday with Berta and Tim Lewis involved. £60m plus add-ons, same ballpark as Spurs had in place.
- Eze would have joined Spurs had Arsenal not bid, but as soon they did, he was always going to pick #AFC due to an emotional connection with the club.