Arsenal manager
Arsene Wenger convinced Yossi Benayoun to snub to a return to former club Liverpool, and seal a season-long loan move to the Gunners, in a frantic deadline day scalp.

Yossi Benayoun
Call: wenger convinced Yossi to join the Gunners over the phone (PIC: PA)

Wenger had put the 31-year-old play maker among a list of potential signings two days ago, but the club believed Benayoun would not be required, as they pressed ahead with the transfer of Everton’s Mikel Arteta .

However, after that deal showed signs of breaking down last night, Arsenal told Chelsea of their interest in the Israel captain, and to be prepared to move quickly to push it through.

The Blues were firmly expecting Benayoun to complete a permanent switch across London, only for the Gunners to join Liverpool in requesting a season-long loan instead.

The Merseysiders had thrashed out details of a loan fee and initial personal terms, but Wenger called Benayoun from a UEFA elite coaches meeting, and convinced him to snub Kenny Dalglish , and join Arsenal.

Chelsea are thought to have received a nominal loan fee, but won’t be paying any of his reported £70,000-a-week wages during his time at the Emirates Stadium.

Benayoun, who has been handed the number 30 shirt, is seen as a short-term stop gap, as Arsenal continue to monitor the progress of Lille starlet Eden Hazard, and Sochaux play maker Marvin Martin.

Pictures:  See photos of the transfer deadline day movers and shakers