Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has detailed how Jeremy Doku was long on their radar.
Doku was outstanding for the 6-1 thrashing of Bournemouth on Saturday.
Guardiola said: "We spoke over the years and when Riyad (Mahrez) left and Cole (Palmer) wanted to leave, we needed a winger, and we had two or three options, but the Club decided mainly.
“Txiki and his people were talking with me and Juanma and they decided this is the guy we need.
“He can play on both sides right or left. He's an incredible threat over 5 or 6 metres.
“Normally we play teams who sit so deep, and we need players who have ability in small places - and he has that.
“The action for the last goal for Bernardo to have the vision means he's a good football player.
“It's not just 1 on 1 which is difficult to find in world football anyway.
“All the managers say don't lose the ball don't dribble pass the ball, but wingers have to dribble. Where? I don't like them to dribble 60 metres from goal.
“But near their box, take a risk, have a dribble, it's your talent and finding them is not easy.
“They know they have all the freedom in that area to take decisions and mainly he takes the right decision.
“We're going to give the ball to this guy, and he will create something. It's natural."