RealGM

Arsène Wenger has admitted he had originally wanted Arsenal to sign Danny Welbeck on loan from Manchester United with an option to buy before eventually settling for a permanent deal.

Arsenal agreed upon a £16 million transfer for Welbeck on transfer deadline day.

“If I had not been away on deadline day, Welbeck would not have signed. That’s the truth,” Wenger, who was in Rome to take part in a charity event at the time of the deal, told a pre-match press conference on Thursday. “It was quick because it was the last day of the transfer window but I had no hesitation to do it.

“I thought when they [United] bought Falcao they had to let somebody go. I was not aware of the start that he would be available, it was quick, but I had no hesitation to do it.”

Welbeck signed a five-year deal and will debut against Manchester City. Wenger confirmed he will play in a central position.

“Welbeck’s best position is through the middle,” he said. “He is happy and confident. I cannot tell you if he will start [against City] but it’s a possibility. I have to assess the squad. He is young and I feel he can improve his career here – he is confident.”

Via The Guardian