Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hails the signing of Danny Welbeck from Manchester United

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is "very happy" about the decision to sign Danny Welbeck from Manchester United even though the former Old Trafford academy star has seen his playing time as a number nine restricted due to the goalscoring form of Olivier Giroud.

The England international moved to the Emirates Stadium on deadline day in the summer of 2014 for a reported fee of £16m ($24m) after United manager Louis van Gaal claimed the striker was not good enough for Old Trafford.

Welbeck took advantage of Giroud's absence due to injury to secure a regular place in Wenger starting line-up, in a forward role.

But when Giroud returned to action, the Arsenal manager opted to use the France international as the number nine, with Welbeck on the flanks – even though earlier in the season the England international revealed not playing up front was one of the reasons that led to him leaving Old Trafford.

And while Welbeck has only scored four Premier League goals in 17 starting appearances, the Frenchman has proved to be more clinical, netting 10 in 12 stating domestic league appearances.

Wenger, nevertheless, has insisted Welbeck has been a good addition to the squad and assures he has a bright future at the club.

"He plays very well for me and is an exceptional player who will have a great future here. I am very, very happy that I bought him," the manager said. "He's very important and has played many, many games since the start of the season. I think he's played in nearly every single game. His position is one of the three up front - central, left or right. He can play anywhere."

Welbeck has been left on the bench in the last two Premier League games, against Everton and Queens Park Rangers, and would be especially keen on regaining a place in the starting line-up in the next Arsenal game, as the Gunners visit his former side for the FA Cup quarter-final.

Wenger refused to confirm whether Welbeck will play at Old Trafford but said he will keep getting chances in the future.

"He's one of the players who has played the most games for us, but not in the last couple of games. You have moments in the season where some players play a bit less," the Arsenal manager said.

"Most of the time it's up front because not every single player can play every game in the biggest part of the season. You have a player like Olivier Giroud who is playing at the moment but he missed four months. During that period, Welbeck played every single game."