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Arsenal hijacked Lille transfer after convincing player to sneak away overnight

The forward had to make a choice between the two clubs and Arsenal ended up winning

By Tom Victor · Football London

Published: Tuesday, 13 October 2026 at 7:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Arsenal hijacked Park Chu-young's transfer to Lille in 2011 by convincing him to leave midway through medicals.
Park completed a permanent transfer to the Gunners from Monaco for a fee between £3 million and £5 million.
The South Korea international made only seven appearances and scored one goal during his spell with Arsenal.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Arsenal famously hijacked LOSC Lille's move for forward Park Chu-young in 2011, convincing the player to sneak away from a hotel during his medical. The South Korean international completed a permanent transfer from Monaco to Arsenal for a fee between £3 million and £5 million instead of finalizing his proposed switch to the Ligue 1 champions.

Despite the dramatic signing, Park struggled for playing time at Emirates Stadium, scoring just one goal in seven appearances before departing permanently in 2014. Lille later responded to missing out on the forward by signing alternative attacking options including Ireneusz Jelen and Salomon Kalou.

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Arsenal hijacked Lille transfer after convincing player to sneak away overnight

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