Takehiro Tomiyasu signed for Arsenal in a last-gasp transfer in the summer of 2021 - but very nearly joined their north London rivals Tottenham on the same day.
The Japanese full-back was part of a busy transfer window for the Gunners three years ago, joining Ben White, Nuno Tavares, Martin Odegaard, Aaron Ramsdale and Albert Sambi Lokonga in moving to north London.
The Gunners splashed out £17million for the former Bologna star, with Tomiyasu snubbing Spurs at the eleventh hour to make the transfer happen.
Speaking to DAZN Japan, Tomiyasu said: "I thought I wasn’t able to join Arsenal. I thought I was going to Spurs. On deadline day, I rejected them. Arsenal asked me to join them and I did immediately."
The 26-year-old has made 84 appearances for Arsenal since his last-minute move, scoring two goals in the Premier League and assisting six times across all competitions.
While the right-back appeared quite a lot throughout his debut season for the Gunners, he has fallen out of favour, with White and Jurrien Timber climbing the ranks above the number 18.
Given his lack of football, Tomiyasu has been linked with Inter Milan this January transfer window. However, it is understood that Mikel Arteta isn't interested in letting the full-back leave.
Tomiyasu, whose contract expires in June 2026 after he extended his Emirates stay in March last year, is an integral part of Arsenal's squad. Fellow defender Ben White previously spoke about his personality and performances on the pitch.
In 2021, White said: "Obviously, you’ve all seen how he’s performed when he’s playing for Arsenal. He’s such a nice guy. He fitted straight in when he came. All the boys love him and he’s doing the business on the pitch as well. He’s doing really well."