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'I have to hang up as I'm in front of the Pope': Ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger recalls how he snatched Danny Welbeck from under Tottenham's noses in 2014 despite the fact he was queuing for holy audience at the Vatican

Arsene Wenger has recalled how he snatched Danny Welbeck from under the noses of Tottenham - all while queuing for an audience with the Pope.

The former Arsenal manager brought striker Welbeck from Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium on deadline day at the end of the 2014 summer transfer window.

As negotiations reached a delicate stage, with Welbeck looking almost certain to join Arsenal's north London rivals, Wenger was in Rome to meet Pope Francis ahead of the Match for Peace, an inter-religious charity game.

Arsene Wenger has revealed how he signed Danny Welbeck while queuing to see the Pope
Wenger was at the Vatican for an audience with Pope Francis on deadline day in 2014

Despite being in line to see the Pope, Wenger was able to influence the transfer talks and ensure Welbeck signed for Arsenal in a £16million deal.