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'Arsene Wenger was in Paris but flew in a private jet to meet me': Cesc Fabregas reveals charm offensive to get him to sign for Arsenal as a 15-year-old... and how they pipped Manchester United to his signature

Cesc Fabregas has revealed how Arsene Wenger cut short his holiday and took a private yet to convince him to sign for Arsenal at the age of just 15.

Fabregas, who was then captain of his youth side at Barcelona's famous La Masia academy, was approached by a scout from Arsenal and it quickly became clear the north London club were set on bringing him to England.

There was an offer from Manchester United on the table and the plan was to make one visit to London and another north to Manchester the following month - but Arsenal did all in their power to charm him so he axed his second visit.