Arsenal confirms striker Danny Welbeck has signed a long-term contract from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee.
Speculation had been rife in the latter hours of the summer transfer deadline day that both clubs have agreed a fee in the region £16m.
It's official. @Arsenal have signed Danny Welbeck from Manchester United: http://t.co/obyyFMbDW4 #WelcomeWelbeck pic.twitter.com/6yD9nbSkFi
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 1, 2014
“Everyone at Arsenal welcomes Danny to the club and looks forward to his contribution in an Arsenal shirt this season,” the club statement read in part.
The 23-year-old scored 29 goals in 142 appearances for United. He was part of the ‘Red Devils’s’ squad, which lifted a 20th Premier League title in 2013, and has also won a League Cup, the Fifa Club World Cup and two FA Community Shields.
Injury to striker Olivier Giroud had rubbed manager Arsene Wenger of attacking options, while the prospective arrival of Radamel Falcao at Old Trafford, means Welbeck is surplus to requirement at the club.
Welbeck has been linked with a move away from United since the end of last season after being played out of his preferred position.
United were initially reluctant to sell the Mancunian to rival clubs but with manager Louis van Gaal not able to assure the forward of a starting role in the upcoming season, he is set to explore new challenges at the North London club.
Welbeck was loaned to Preston North End and later Sunderland Athletic, where he made 28 league appearances scoring 6 times, between 2009 and 2011.
Welbeck, who is currently on international duty, has scored 8 times in his 26 England caps and was named in the 2014 World Cup squad.
He will then join up with his new Arsenal team-mates to prepare for the Premier League home match against Manchester City on Saturday, September 13.
