Arsenal loanee Dani Ceballos spoke to dad of late Jose Antonio Reyes who urged him to make move

: “This is a historic club that I’ve always looked out for because of Jose Antonio Reyes who is from the same town as me and played here.

“He made history at this club winning the league title, so it’s an important step in my career to join Arsenal.

“I spoke to his [Reyes’] father just before coming here and he told me not to think twice because this is a wonderful club. Jose had a fantastic time here.

“When I came into the training ground today I saw a picture of him and it really struck me because he’s like my childhood idol.”

I spoke to his [Reyes’] father just before coming here and he told me not to think twice. Jose had a fantastic time here.

Dani Ceballos

Reyes was part of Arsenal's Invincibles side that went through the 2003-04 season unbeaten and won the Premier League.

The 35-year-old was tragically killed on June 1 as his Mercedes Brabus S550V went off the A-376 motorway near to his hometown in Spain.

Ceballos also sought advice from Hector Bellerin who also told him not to hesitate in becoming Unai Emery's second summer recruit.

He added: "Well, as you know there are Spanish players here like Nacho Monreal and Hector Bellerin.

"I get on really well with Hector away from football, on a personal level.

“I told him I was thinking of joining and he told me not to think twice because this is a great city and a great club and that I was going to have a great time.

"I can’t wait to see him and say thanks for his help in getting me here.”