LONDON -- Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes new signing Danny Welbeck will thrive in a central striking role at the club.
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Wenger spoke for the first time about his 16 million-pound capture from Manchester United at his prematch news conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League game against Manchester City.
And the Gunners boss revealed he was initially offered the chance to sign the England international on a loan deal before opting to make the move permanent.
"At the start, the player was only available on loan, but when he was available to buy, I said yes," Wenger said. "We lost an important striker in Olivier Giroud so we were short of numbers up front. Danny Welbeck was an ideal signing for us. He can play through the middle, which I think is his best position, but as well on the flanks.
"He brings his qualities and his team attitude, which is very important for us, his pace as well, and as you could see with England, his goalscoring. His attitude as a young boy -- he is not yet 24 -- let's not forget that some players who arrived here aged 23 made huge careers here, so I hope we can contribute and help him."
Welbeck has often been deployed by United and England in a wide position, but Wenger is convinced his new singing will do well playing through the centre.
"I think he wants to show what he can do in the middle," Wenger said. "When you analyse his game, you think he has the qualities to play down the middle.
"He played at United with many big stars and as he is versatile, he had to make room for other players to play down the middle. If you analyse his qualities, he has the perfect style to play down the middle. He has been questioned about his finishing, but his second goal [for England against Switzerland on Monday] answers that.
"He arrived yesterday and he is happy and confident, of course -- happy because he scored two goals for England in a very important game and that can only boost his confidence. His best position is where he is needed, but maybe through the middle."
Wenger was criticised for flying out of England to take part in a charity match in Italy on the final day of the transfer window, but he suggested his early wake-up time to catch his flight helped in securing the services of Welbeck.
"If I had not travelled that day, Welbeck would not be here," Wenger said. "I'll explain that a bit later. The coincidence was that because I was on my way, Welbeck is here.
"If I stayed in my home, Welbeck would not be here. I can tell you that story one day, but that is the truth. In 2014, you can always be in touch with someone. The advantage of that day is I had to get up at six o'clock in the morning and I was available all day.
"Was I surprised to sign him? We sold [Robin] van Persie to Man United. At the moment when I saw they bought [Radamel] Falcao, they had to let somebody go. I was not aware at the start he could be available. It was quick because it was the last day of the transfer window, but I had no hesitation to do it."