Danny Welbeck to Arsenal: Arsene Wenger pictured in Rome as club close in on Manchester United striker for £17m

Manager was appearing at a charity event in Rome

James Orr
Friday 05 September 2014 11:11 BST
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Arsène Wenger arrives for the inter religious 'match for peace' football game in Rome's Olympic Stadium tonight
Arsène Wenger arrives for the inter religious 'match for peace' football game in Rome's Olympic Stadium tonight

Arsene Wenger must have been glued to his phone tonight to finalise Danny Welbeck's £17m switch to Arsenal from Manchester United - the manager was in Rome making an appearance at the 'Match for Peace' at the Stadio Olimpico.

Arsenal have been granted an extension in order to complete the signing of the England international on deadline day.

The 24-year-old was at Arsenal’s training headquarters London Colney this morning and was watched closely during the morning by a key member of Wenger's staff.

Wenger stated that his charity work would not affect his deadline day transfer deadlings.

"I am not in Rome for transfer business, but until the end things can still happen. At the moment there’s nothing, though," he told La Repubblica.

"What is my last wish on the transfer market? To sign a player before midnight.

"We are here to urge peace in the world and because football represents good values."

While Welbeck closes in on his move to the Gunners, the club let go of Ryo Miyaichi, on loan to FC Twente and Ignasi Miquel on a permanent move to Norwich City.

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