Wenger: Arsenal Would Not Have Signed Welbeck

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger revealed during the pre-match conference for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Manchester City that the Gunners would not have signed England international Danny Welbeck.

The Frenchman stated that his absence in London on transfer deadline day to attend a peace match in Rome enabled the transfer of the 23-year old from arch-rivals Manchester United in a £16m deal.

But Wenger stopped short of going into details of what really happened, stating ”If I stayed at my home, Welbeck would not be [at Arsenal]… that is the truth. I’ll tell you the story one day.”

The Arsenal manager did state he was happy to have signed Welbeck, who scored twice for England in a European Championship qualifying match against Switzerland, though would have preferred he signed him on an initial loan deal.

As for Welbeck making his debut on Saturday, Wenger said ”I cannot tell you if Welbeck will start but it’s a possibility. I have to assess the squad.”

Wenger meanwhile also stated Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey could be fit in time for Saturday’s early kick-off against City as his ankle injury picked up in Wales’ 2-1 win at Andorra in a Euro 2016 qualifier is not as serious as first feared.

He also revealed German star Mesut Özil will be available for the Premier League champions’ visit as would be club captain Mikel Arteta and left-back Kieran Gibbs after all recovering from their respective injuries.