Moussa Sissoko finally got his move to north London late on transfer deadline day, but it was not the big-money switch that he had been dreaming of.

The French international made a dramatic eleventh-hour move to Spurs late on Wednesday night but had been on the verge of joining Everton.

But following Newcastle's Premier League relegation in May, the 27-year-old proclaimed that he was intent on joining his new club's 'beautiful' rivals Arsenal.

Moussa Sissoko made a dramatic move to Tottenham late on transfer deadline day

The French midfielder admitted earlier this summer that he wanted to move to Arsenal

Speaking to FootMercato in June, ahead of the start of Euro 2016, Sissoko described Arsene Wenger's side as 'the club of my heart'.

He said at the time: 'I have reached a level where playing in the Championship would be difficult for me. I need to continue to evolve. I aspire to play for the greatest European clubs and to continue with the French national team.

'There will be discussions. I hope that they go in the right direction. I want to leave. I would like to continue my career in England, in a club that plays Champions League football.

Asked about reports he has been watched by Arsenal, Sissoko continued: 'It is very flattering. Arsenal is one of the best European teams. To be watched by that sort of club, that proves that you are a quality player.

The 27-year-old starred for France during their run to the final of Euro 2016 this summer

The new Spurs signing described former Gunners captain Patrick Vieira as his 'idol'

'Everyone knows, I often said it when I was young, Arsenal is the club of my heart, because there were quite a few French players there like Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, Sylvain Wiltord, Patrick Vieira who was my idol.

'The beautiful Arsenal. We will see. I cannot tell you if I am going to go to Arsenal. For the moment, I am focused on the French national team and the Euros.'

Sissoko went on to play a starring role for his country as they reached the final of the European Championship, only to be beaten by Portugal at the last hurdle.

Speaking to Spurs' website after securing his move he admitted: 'I'm very happy, very proud to be here. It was a long period for me, I was waiting for this moment so today I'm very happy and I'm looking forward now.

'They did well last season, they have a great manager, they have a good team.

'I spoke to Hugo Lloris, he told me this club is amazing and everything is here for me to be good, to play some good games and to fight with the best teams in England so that's why I came here.'