Arsenal signs Eze for £67.5 million: the story of an academy graduate's return.

According to The Sun: Eberechi Eze admitted he was 'on trial' at Arsenal for four years, trying to convince them to sign him every time he played against them.

The 27-year-old footballer took to the pitch as a 'Gunner' before Saturday's 5-0 victory over Leeds after joining from Crystal Palace for £67.5 million.

Eze, a lifelong Arsenal fan, turned down the chance to join Tottenham and chose North London under manager Mikel Arteta.

From a young age, while playing at Gale End, he dreamed of playing for Arsenal and is now thrilled to have the opportunity to prove himself at Emirates.

“I was on trial for four years, to be honest.

Every time I came to Arsenal, I looked at the spot where I usually sat when I went to matches with my brothers.

I said this every time: ‘Here it is - my chance. The time has come, this is the opportunity.’ I’m not saying I knew this would happen, but it felt like that.

“I’ve been yearning to return since I got to know other clubs and what it actually means to be a professional. I always thought: ‘Arsenal is my place, that’s where I want to be.’

“I played the way I played, developed here and there, and my heart said, if it's meant to happen, it will, and I believe it will.

“However, if it doesn't happen, I'll be at peace because I know I've given everything. I remember the day I was released, my mum prayed for that decision to be reversed.

“For me, it feels like a fulfillment of that prayer. It’s deeper than one might understand. I see God's hand in this, so I know it’s meant to be.'

'I've been to Emirates before, but not as an Arsenal player. So being on the pitch, wearing number 10, is exactly what I wanted. I always wanted to be here at this stage of my career.'