Everton's new signing Kevin Mirallas has revealed that he turned down the chance to sign for Arsenal this summer.
The Belgian international, who completed a move to Goodison Park on Sunday, claimed that he snubbed the chance to move to North London.
Mirallas told Everton's official club website: "Discussions were at quite an advanced stage with Arsenal but it was always clear it would be totally down to me to make the decision."
The 24-year-old also said that talking to countryman Marouane Fellaini persuaded him Everton were the right club to further his ambitions.
He said: "We had a couple of phone conversations and it definitely influenced my decision.
"He convinced me the club was an ideal fit for me and hopefully it is a place where I can exploit my talents and grow as a player and perform well."
Everton made a dream start to their Premier League campaign on Monday with a 1-0 win against Manchester United.
Liam Power
