Wenger: I had no hesitation in signing Welbeck

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted he had "no hesitation" in moving to sign Danny Welbeck from Manchester United on the last day of the summer transfer window. The Gunners completed a £16 million deal for the England forward late on deadline day after Radamel Falcao joined the Red Devils on a season-long loan. Welbeck's sale has been criticised by the likes of former United captain Gary Neville and Wenger has admitted he jumped at the opportunity to bring the 23-year-old to north London. He told reporters: "We lost an important striker in Olivier Giroud and we're short in numbers up front. Danny Welbeck is an ideal signing for us because he can play through the middle, which I think is his best position, and also on the flanks. "He brings a team attitude, which is very important to us, pace as well and as you can see with England, goalscoring." "We sold Robin van Persie to Manchester United so that was reciprocity," he joked. "I thought when they bought Falcao that they had to let somebody go but I was not aware at the start, when I heard that, that [Welbeck] could be available. "It was quick, because it was on the last day of the transfer window. I had no hesitation to do it." When asked whether he would have signed Welbeck had Giroud not suffered a long-term injury, the Frenchman replied: "It is possible, yes." Wenger hit back at those questioning his decision to travel to Rome to take part in the first Interreligious Match for Peace at the Stadio Olimpico on deadline day. "If I stayed at my home, Welbeck would not be here," he insisted. "That is the truth." The 64-year-old believes midfielder Aaron Ramsey could play against Manchester City on Saturday despite turning his ankle during Wales' victory over Andorra on Tuesday, as Goal reported on Thursday. "I'm relieved that Ramsey's injury is not serious because we had a nightmare with him last year," Wenger added. "We assess Ramsey today - he has a little chance to be available for Saturday. He has a minor ankle problem." Wenger also confirmed that Mikel Arteta, Kieran Gibbs and Mesut Ozil had all been passed fit to feature against the defending champions.