An early wake-up call, a meeting with the Pope and Manchester United’s low valuation led to Danny Welbeck becoming an Arsenal player.

It was back in the summer of 2014 that an injury to Olivier Giroud left Arsenal scrambling for a new centre forward.

Their only alternative at the time, as much as he could be called one, was Yaya Sanogo.

Deadline day came about, and Arsenal were no closer to getting a striker.

In fact, Arsene Wenger seemed to be doing everything but look for one, as he jetted off to Italy to coach a team in a charity match and meet with the Pope.

Eventually, the club signed Welbeck from Manchester United, in a deal worth £16m.

“If I had not travelled that day, Welbeck would not be here,” Wenger said at the time.

The Evening Standard provided more details about how the move happened.

Wenger didn’t explain how him being in Italy helped with the deal, beyond saying his early wake-up calk ensured he had more time in the day.

The report also stated that Wenger initially wanted the forward on loan, with an option to buy, as he had doubts about him.

However, United’s relatively low valuation convinced him to sign him permanently.

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Danny Welbeck scored a sweet finish against Costa Rica as ENgland continued their World Cup preparations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXIuqxTrEaI

However, he continues to be linked with a move away from the club this summer.

Arsenal would reportedly be willing to sell or loan Danny Welbeck according to a report from Turkey that claims Arsene Wenger told Galatasaray’s manager, Fatih Terim, he was available.

Wenger was in Turkey at the start of the month, along with David Dein, and was spotted having dinner with the former president of Galatasaray and their current manager, Terim.

wenger galatasaray
via Aydinlik

Although Wenger is no longer the manager of Arsenal, he is clearly aware of the players that the club would be happy to sell and it seems as if Welbeck is one of them.

Turkish-football claim that a source told them Wenger “revealed that the North London based outfit would be open to loaning Welbeck, or even selling him for around €15m.”

He also allegedly added that there would be interest from other Premier League sides if Arsenal did decide to sell Welbeck and that Gala would not have a clear run at the player.

Welbeck is loved by Arsenal fans but he is seen more as a comedy figure than a deadly striker.

10 goals in 43 appearances for Arsenal last season doesn’t tell the whole Welbeck story of hilarious misses and scuffed assists.

Should he be sold, it’s hard to imagine many Arsenal fans being too upset, despite how much he is liked as a grafter at the club.