How Arsene Wenger shocked football by signing Sol Campbell for Arsenal

Wenger unveils Campbell as an Arsenal player in 2001
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Tom Doyle4 July 2017

It's not every day that a club signs one of their rival's stars, but when it does happen, you should celebrate in style.

Arsenal lured Tottenham centre-back Sol Campbell across the north London divide to the consternation of Spurs fans back in 2001, with the England international joining Arsene Wenger's Gunners on a free transfer after his White Hart Lane contract expired.

Campbell went on win two Premier League titles and three FA Cups with Arsenal, forming part of the 2003-04 'Invincibles' side that went unbeaten in the top flight.

Most modern-day transfers are carefully choreographed affairs between clubs, sponsors and players, but Wenger took great delight in springing a surprise on the press on July 3, 16 years ago.

With a handful of reporters awaiting the expected unveiling of goalkeeper Richard Wright from Everton, they got a little more than they bargained for as Campbell was revealed as an Arsenal player.

Campbell coup: Wenger got his man

"We had an agreement that never came out," Wenger told the club's official website. "I remember his press conference, when I said we will announce a player.

"Nobody turned up. It was here at the training ground.

"There were only two press people here. I will never forget the press' faces when Sol came in.

'Sol Campbell from Tottenham'... they couldn’t believe it!

"Sol definitely knew before the last week [of his contract] that he was signing for us. At least, before that he promised to sign for us."

Wenger acknowledges that while Campbell took a risk in signing for Arsenal - with Spurs fans turning on him instantly and forever since, also missing out on an invite to the club's White Hart Lane farewell - the defender had the character and confidence to make such a move a success.

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"I realised [how significant it was] when we played our first game at Tottenham," he added. "It was difficult for him but this man is not afraid of big decisions."