• Premier League

Welbeck keen to emulate 'idol' Henry at Arsenal

Danny Welbeck is hoping to make a big impression at Arsenal © Getty Images

Enlarge

Danny Welbeck hopes to emulate his idol Thierry Henry after his deadline day move to Arsenal from Manchester United.

Welbeck signed a five-year deal after joining the club for £16 million and hopes to draw inspiration from Arsenal's record goalscorer by making his own mark although admitted there is a healthy competition for places at the club.

"I loved watching Thierry Henry since I was a little kid," said Welbeck. "My two idols are Ryan Giggs and Thierry Henry so to come to the club where he was and had so much success at is something you can look up to and try to stamp your own print on the club.

'Who knows where it will end'

Fergie is happier up in the Old Trafford stands these days © PA Photos

• Sir Alex Ferguson says he is glad he is not in charge of Manchester United's finances after the club splashed out almost £150 million in the summer transfer window.
• Click here to continue reading

"There's definitely competition and I think once you come to a big club, there is always going to be competition.

"Unfortunately there are a couple of injuries at the moment but I think once everyone is fighting fit, everybody will want to be on the pitch scoring goals and that's healthy competition for the squad."

Welbeck, who spent six years in United's senior side, said he was glad to have joined Arsenal after admitting he had envisaged playing for the club while at United.

His arrival follows the long-term injury to Olivier Giroud who has been ruled out until at least the end of the year with a broken left tibia and Welbeck is keen to impress to fans in the Frenchman's absence.

"I know a lot about Arsenal," added Welbeck. "I don't think there are many people in England who won't know about Arsenal and what a big club this is. The stadium is fantastic and the team has got a legendary manager and magnificent players who have also been brought in.

"I play with my heart on my sleeve and I'm always going to give my best. I'll try to give them so many happy days in the coming future."

Welbeck joins an Arsenal team that includes Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs, Alex Oxalde-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott and Calum Chambers and he believes the amount of English players at the club will be a benefit to the national team.

"It's going to be a massive positive for us," said Welbeck. "We'll be seeing each other every single day and you obviously develop a much better understanding if you're working with one another on a consistent basis. That's something that will definitely benefit the England team."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd