Thursday 11 September 2014 13:21, UK
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has praised the qualities deadline-day signing Danny Welbeck will bring to the side.
Welbeck was signed from Manchester United for £16m after Olivier Giroud was ruled out until January with a foot injury, although Wenger confirmed he may have signed the England international even if Giroud had been fit.
Wenger could hand Welbeck, who scored both goals in England’s 2-0 win over Switzerland, his debut in Saturday’s crucial clash with Manchester City.
“We have lost an important striker in Olivier Giroud and we are short in numbers up front,” said Wenger.
“Danny Welbeck is an ideal signing for us because he can play through the middle, which I think is his best position, as well as on the flanks.
“He brings the quality of his team attitude, which is very important to us, his pace as well and as you can see with England, his goalscoring.”
Wenger was not surprised Manchester United were prepared to sell Welbeck to one of their main Premier League rivals, although he hinted he would have preferred a loan deal for the 23-year-old.
Wenger was also keen to point out Arsenal allowed Robin van Persie to go in the opposite direction when United came in for the Dutchman.
“We sold Robin Van Persie to Manchester United,” added Wenger.
“When they signed Radamel Falcao, I thought they had to let somebody go.
“I was not aware at the start that he could be available but it was quick because it was on the last day of the transfer window. I had no hesitation to do it (sign Welbeck).”
As for whether he would still have signed Welbeck if Giroud was not injured, Wenger said: “It’s possible, yes.”