Jose Mourinho says Tottenham "did not waste our time" attempting to sign Willian as Arsenal's wage offer was out of their reach.
Willian was linked with both north London clubs over the summer, following the expiration of his Chelsea contract, with Mourinho and the Brazilian tipped for a reunion after many years together at Stamford Bridge.
But it was Arsenal was signed Willian, handing in a three-year deal, but will be underwhelmed by his contribution thus far ahead of Sunday's derby.
"We don't have money for Willian," Mourinho said. "We cannot pay the wages that he gets at Arsenal so I didn't want to waste our time because we cannot pay these wages.
"He is still dangerous, he is still one of the best players in the Premier League.
"Apart from that, he is a good friend. I have nothing to hide in relation to that. We keep in touch, we keep in contact, we call each other.
"We wish good things to each other. He is my friend and of course he is a very good player."
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