Arsene Wenger to Referee Charity Game in Rome on Transfer Deadline Day

Arsene Wenger is unlikely to play any first-hand role in new signings at the Emirates on transfer deadline day because he's refereeing a charity game in Rome.

Wenger has agreed to take part in the "Match for Peace" in the Italian capital, the Daily Mail explains:

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Pictures of the Gunners boss at Heathrow airport have emerged on twitter, sparking excitement among Arsenal fans about a potential new signing.

But Sportsmail can reveal that Wenger is actually booked to referee in the 'Match for Peace', alongside players such as Leo Messi, Andrea Pirlo and Ronaldinho, at Roma's Stadio Olimpico on Monday night.

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That wouldn't necessarily prevent him having a quick word with Messi, but according to the BBC's David Ornstein, there's little expectation of incoming transfer movement today:

"

Arsenal very unlikely to sign anyone before deadline. Barring late surprise & a couple of squad exits, #AFC business is done #bbcdeadlineday

— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) September 1, 2014"

Not exactly the news fans wanted to hear.

[Daily Mail]