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

The England striker left Old Trafford for €20m (£16m) on transfer deadline day and could make his Arsenal debut against Manchester City at the Emirates on Saturday.

“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 eventually signed a five year deal at the Emirates. However, asked if he would initially have preferred a loan, Wenger said: “With an option to buy yes. In the end, when it was a permanent transfer or loan with an option to buy, I was happy to buy permanently.

“At start of day, he was only available on loan. At the end of the day, I agreed.”

Starting in a central position, Welbeck scored twice for England in last week's victory over Switzerland in Basel and his new manager believes that shows where he is best suited to playing.

“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.”

The midfielder Aaron Ramsey has an outside chance of featuring against City after being injured in Wales's European Championship qualifier against Andorra. "We assess Ramsey today – he has a little chance to be available for Saturday," said Wenger. "He has a minor ankle problem."

Guardian Service