Wenger beats the deadline, brings Welbeck to Arsenal from United

Arsene Wenger made his play just as the transfer window was closing on Monday, buying Danny Welbeck from Manchester United despite being in Rome for a charity event.

Danny Welbeck shown training ahead of England's friendly against Norway on Wednesday, September 3, 2014. Eddie Keogh / Reuters

Press Association

Sep 02, 2014

Arsenal have announced the signing of England international forward Danny Welbeck from English Premier League rivals Manchester United for an undisclosed fee.

Welbeck, 23, who is currently with Roy Hodgson’s national squad ahead of fixtures against Norway and Switzerland, has signed a long-term deal at the Emirates Stadium to become Arsene Wenger’s fifth summer signing – with the deal announced almost two hours after the initial transfer deadline had passed.

He leaves United after coming through the ranks at Old Trafford – developing his craft with loan spells at Preston and Sunderland – but new United manager Louis van Gaal has allowed the player to leave in search of regular first-team football.

With Arsenal currently missing the injured Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott, Welbeck is likely to take on the mantle of playing in a central attacking role for Wenger – with a home game against Manchester City a potential debut for the striker.

Welbeck made his United debut in 2008 and went on to make 92 league appearances for his home-town club – scoring 20 goals.

He lifted the Premier League trophy once and also collected League Cup and Fifa Club World Cup winners’ medals under Sir Alex Ferguson.

When Ferguson retired and was replaced by David Moyes, Welbeck scored a double in Moyes’ first league game – a 4-1 win at Swansea.

But the local lad was never able to hold down a regular first-team place at United, especially in his favoured main striker role, and has moved to FA Cup holders Arsenal – who completed the deal despite Wenger being in Rome on Monday for a charity football event.

There was believed to be serious interest from Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham – but they only wanted to take Welbeck on loan with the lure of Champions League football also a likely deciding factor for the player.

He joins fellow forward Javier Hernandez in leaving Old Trafford and United tweeted their best wishes to their former man.

“Danny Welbeck has signed for Arsenal after 29 goals in 142 appearances for #mufc. Good luck for the future, Danny,” a Tweet on their official account read.

He becomes the fifth summer addition to Wenger’s squad – with Alexis Sanchez, David Opsina, Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers already on board.

There were also a couple of outgoings from north London as Ignasi Miguel moved to Norwich, with Ryo Miyaichi signing on loan at FC Twente.