Danny Welbeck can be Arsenal's new Thierry Henry vows Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger aims to transform Danny Welbeck into a deadly marksman like Thierry Henry after training his new striker to “kill” opponents.

The Arsenal boss has told Welbeck to look to Henry for inspiration, after the club legend joined as a winger in 1999 then scored a record 228 goals from up front.

Welbeck opened his account for Arsenal at Aston Villa on his third start after a £16million deadline day switch from Manchester United.

He was sold by United boss Louis van Gaal, who bemoaned he does not score enough.

But Wenger insists Welbeck is a good finisher and reckons he just needs a goal-scoring instinct after being played out wide.

Wenger is now training Welbeck to “kill” opponents and conquer his nerves in front of goal.

“Thierry is a good act to follow,” said Wenger

“I think Danny has an interesting potential and let’s see how he develops.

“He has a good mentality, good physical potential, technical potential, he contributes to our team play because he doesn’t lose the ball up front and those are important qualities.

“He rushed a bit his finishing until now because he didn’t score.

“It is more a nervous problem maybe because in training he scores goals like a real striker.

“He is a good finisher.

"I think as well he has played at Manchester United in the position wide the last two or three years, never through the middle.

“Then you lose a little bit that instinct to score.

“And you lose that pressure which is animalistic – you need to always be in the middle and wait for your chance to kill the opponent.

“On the flank you have less of that responsibility. He did a different job up and down.

“When you play on the flank you have to cross the ball for someone to score.

“When you play in the middle someone has to cross the ball for you to score. It is a different job.

“But when you play in different positions you learn always.”

Arsenal blitzed Villa with all three goals in 192 seconds in a devastating first-half spell which stunned the hosts who had started the better.

Welbeck was pivotal as he fed Mesut Ozil for the opener before the German – who excelled in his preferred central midfield role – returned the favour for the striker to pounce from close range.

Then Villa defender Aly Cissokho turned a Kieran Gibbs shot into his own net as the Midlanders’ unbeaten league start was ended.

Now Wenger is hoping Welbeck can continue his promising form in front of goal.

Asked if he wanted Welbeck to be more selfish, Wenger added: “Selfish is a word I don’t like, it is just to get that instinct.

“I like a striker who gives the ball when he has to give the ball and scores when he can score.

“The fact he can provide and can score like against Villa for me is very important.”

Welbeck had come in for criticism after failing to score against Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund in his first two Arsenal games.

He said: “I’m glad to get the goal, but if you look at all strikers they miss chances. That’s not just me who is going to miss a chance.

“The most important thing is to get over it and move on to the next opportunity.

“When I signed I was away on international duty.

“I’ve not really had much time to get together with the boys and have many training sessions because there’s obviously been recovery days and all sorts of different things.

“Once I carry on training much more and get into the matches I will develop a much better understanding with the players.”

Arsenal ‘to make January bid for Manchester United transfer target Chris Smalling’

Arsenal are reportedly considering launching a move for Manchester United central defender Chris Smalling in January.

The Gunners were believed to have enquired about signing the 24-year-old as part of a swap deal involving Thomas Vermaelen during the summer, but The Red Devils refused to sell the centre-back before Vermaelen went on to finalise a move to Barcelona.

But with Mathieu Debuchy being ruled out of action for anything up to three months through injury, Arsene Wenger is now preparing to bolster his defensive options by trying to recruit Smalling during the winter, according to The Mail.

It is believed that Arsenal will only table a formal bid if United boss Louis van Gaal signs more defenders in January, although it remains to be seen whether the Old Trafford outfit will sell to The Gunners after allowing Danny Welbeck to move to north London on transfer deadline day.

Smalling himself came close to signing for The Gunners from Fulham in 2010, but instead chose to move to United after then-manager Sir Alex Ferguson convinced the defender of the transfer.

Three players who can help Arsenal’s defensive crisis after Mathieu Debuchy injury blow

With Mathieu Debuchy ruled out for months, Arsenal have been left with just five fit senior defenders.

Calum Chambers is now the only fit right-back, but also the only cover at centre-back. If there is another defensive injury, or even if Arsene Wenger wants to rotate his back four, the Gunners will have to find alternative solutions. Here’s three ways the Gunners can tackle their defensive crisis.

1. Hector Bellerin

A direct replacement for Debuchy, Bellerin is the most obvious stand in for the Frenchman. He’s capable of playing right or left-back and has the potential to be a first team regular for Arsenal in the future. He was in the squad photo for this season, so many fans are already anticipating his Premier League debut for the Gunners. He’s still a teenager but as Chambers has proven, if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. With Chambers the only cover for centre-back, Bellerin will be needed to start if Laurent Koscielny or Per Mertesacker were to pick up an injury in the upcoming busy schedule.

2. Isaac Hayden

Hayden is the least experienced option out of the trio suggested. He’s 19, English and can play in centre-back or defensive midfield. If Wenger opted to use Chambers as his right-back whilst Debuchy is injured, Hayden may well be needed at centre-back. He’s tall and strong, but I would have concerns if he had to start against the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham. He has the potential to be a good squad player for the Gunners, but the fact he is a couple of injuries away from starting highlights the club’s lack of defensive options.

3. Francis Coquelin

The forgotten man Francis Coquelin. His primary position is defensive midfield but many forget he debuted for Arsenal in a full-back position and has also played there while on loan in France and Germany. He’s not a natural full-back, but still has good ability in this position. He’s quick, aggressive and already has first-team experience with the club. It is also worth noting that Mathieu Flamini could cover in defence, meaning Coquelin could be needed in his favoured midfield position.

Arsenal’s defensive woes continue

Arsene Wenger has been dealt another defensive blow ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League game away to Borussia Dortmund after Nacho Monreal was ruled out of through injury.

The full-back sustained the problem during the Gunners’ 2-2 Premier League draw against Manchester City on Saturday, and despite the injury not thought to be serious, Monreal has been left out of the Arsenal squad for the match in Germany on Tuesday.

The news comes just a day after Mathieu Debuchy was ruled out of action for at least two months after the defender twisted his ankle ligaments against City.

Although Calum Chambers also missed full training on Monday, the 19-year-old is expected to start at right-back against Dortmund, while Hector Bellerin and Kieran Gibbs have also travelled with the team to Germany.

Jurgen Klopp, meanwhile, is also without several of his first-team players after the Dortmund coach revealed that he will have to field a weakened side against Arsenal because of injuries.

‘Facing the Gunners first off is a tough proposition, especially considering the injury problems we have at the moment and the fact we haven’t been able to train together very often,’ he told The Evening Standard.

‘But we never complain and are looking forward to tackling the challenge tomorrow. Getting through the group stage is one of our main aims for the season.’

When asked about his current injury concerns, he said: ‘You are right about the incredible injury woes we suffered [last season]. And there has been no real let-up as we are without players like Nuri Sahin, Oliver Kirch, Ji [Dong-won], Ilkay Gundogan, Jakub Blaszczykowski and Marco Reus at the moment.’

Arsenal still keen on January move for Celtic’s Virgil van Dijk

Arsenal are hopeful of sealing a January move for Celtic’s Virgil van Dijk after the Gunners missed out on a transfer deadline day deal.

Arsene Wenger is a keen admirer of the Dutch international and reports suggest he tried to bring him to the Emirates on Monday’s deadline, but a move failed to materialise.

However, according to the Daily Mail, the Gunners are already plotting a bid for the centre-half when the transfer window reopens in January.

Wenger failed to replace outgoing defender Thomas Vermaelen this summer, despite the Belgian moving to Barcelona for £15m with two weeks of the window to spare.

This has left Arsenal light in the area despite also targeting Ron Vlaar from Aston Villa and Manchester City’s Matija Nastasic.

It means Wenger will have to muddle through to January with just Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker and Calum Chambers, while trying to keep the pace in the Premier League, Champions League and Capital One Cup.

Three Arsenal youngsters who will get game time this season

Arsenal fans were a bit disappointed on deadline day when Arsene Wenger failed to sign a new centre back and defensive midfielder. Whilst not making these signings might seem like a bit of a risk, there are some internal solutions with youngsters ready to step in.

1. Francis Coquelin

Many Arsenal fans, including myself, were impressed when Coquelin made his Arsenal debut a few years ago. His versatility allows him to play at full-back and defensive midfield. He even played some games as a winger for Freiburg last season. Despite his promising performances for Arsenal, he never managed to break into the first team. Instead he’s gone out on loan and not done too well. There are some concerns about the 23-year-old’s attitude, but if he wants to make it at Arsenal, he’ll get no better chance than right now. He’s certainly more mobile than Mikel Arteta, and a little more disciplined than Mathieu Flamini.

2. Isaac Hayden

Arsenal sold Thomas Vermaelen this summer and failed to replace him. Whilst Calum Chambers came in, he was more of a Bacary Sagna replacement in that he is a right-back who can cover at centre-back. With that in mind, Arsenal only really have two centre-backs in the first-team squad. Ignasi Miquel also left on deadline day, meaning if there are a couple of injuries, Hayden will have to step in. He’s a 19-year-old English centre-back, and has shown a lot of promise in the youth teams. Capable of playing both at the heart of the defence and in midfield, Hayden is the perfect youth player to step in considering those are the positions where the Gunners are currently short of options. I have high hopes for Hayden, and hopefully he can succeed at Arsenal and for England.

3. Hector Bellerin

Bellerin is also still a teenager, but has shown a lot of promise both on loan and for the Arsenal reserves. He’s capable of filling in at either left or right-back, and with Chambers needed in the centre of defence, Bellerin is more than likely to feature in the Arsenal first team this season. The 19-year-old Spaniard has plenty of pace, good ball control and a very good cross – as demonstrated in the Emirates Cup. I’d have no worries if Bellerin were called upon at one point this season. His weakness at the moment would be his defensive ability, but in Arsenal’s formation, it is essential the full backs offer an attacking threat, something which he definitely does.

Arsenal considering deal to sign 36-year-old defender Mario Yepes

Arsenal are considering offering a contract to 36-year-old defender Mario Yepes, according to reports in Colombia.

The Gunners are in need of defensive reinforcements after failing to sign a replacement for Thomas Vermaelen during the transfer window, and Arsene Wenger has now turned his attention to Yepes.

According to reports, Wenger is said to be a long-term fan of the experienced centre back and could offer him a short-term contract to provide cover for Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker and youngster Calum Chambers.

Yepes is a free agent after leaving Italian side Atalanta at the end of last season, and his agent told reporters last month that he is in England looking to sign for a Premier League team.

A 6’1″ centre back, Yepes has made almost 600 professional appearances to date.

Joel Campbell furious at not being permitted transfer deadline day Arsenal exit

Arsenal striker Joel Campbell has been left fuming after the Gunners denied him a transfer deadline day move to Benfica.

The Portuguese side were keen to take the youngster on loan on Monday, with Campbell unlikely to feature prominently in Arsene Wenger’s plans this season, especially since the arrival of Danny Welbeck.

But Arsenal blocked a move for the Costa Rican international, leaving his agent to hit out at the club.

‘Benfica fought until the last minute to sign Campbell but the move didn’t happen because, in the last hour, Arsenal decided to keep him,’ Joaquim Batica told Portuguese newspaper O Jogo.

‘Wenger says he did not want to sell him. But if he is not in his plans, then why not allow him to leave?’

Why Arsenal will have at least £50million to spend in the January transfer window

Some media outlets will have you believe that Arsenal had an extremely high net spend this summer.

But their calculations they have forgotten to add income Arsenal generated from clauses in Cesc Fabregas and Carlos Vela’s contracts.

With five first team players purchased and everyone around them overpaying, despite not addressing some key areas, Arsenal have once again bought wisely in the market this summer.

Using the most accurate reported transfer fees; here is Arsenal’s activity this summer (note: the figures below are initial sums, e.g. Chambers is £12million before bonuses).

In -£76m

Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona) £35million
Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United) £10million
David Ospina (Nice) £3million
Calum Chambers (Southampton) £12million
Danny Welbeck (Manchester United) £16million

Out – £18.5m

Lukasz Fabianski (Swansea City) Free
Bacary Sagna (Manchester City) Free
Chuks Aneke (Zuite Waregem) Free
Nicklas Bendtner Released
Chu Young Park Released
Wellington Silva (UD Almeria) Loan
Thomas Eisfeld (Fulham) £2million
Carl Jenkinson (West Ham United) Loan
Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona) £15million
Ignasi Miquel (Norwich City) £1.5million
Ryo Miyaichi (Twente) Loan 

Other transfer income £13.8m:

Carlos Vela buy-back clause bought out for £8.8million
Cesc Fabregas sell on clause: £5million

£78m less £32.3m equals a £43.7m net spend

Arsenal had a reported transfer kitty of over £100million at the start of the summer. It seems there was plenty of room left to sign a world-class striker and defensive midfielder that the fans were desperately craving.

Despite only spending £43.7million net, the Gunners have added significant quality to their squad.

English youngsters Calum Chambers and Danny Welbeck joined for a combined fee of a little under £30million, which considering the premium for young English players these days, is a bargain.

Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina was also a snip at £3million. Alexis cost £35million, which isn’t cheap, but he’s already paid off most of his transfer fee with that goal that got the club into the Champions League and considering Angel di Maria and James Rodriguez cost around £60million, the fee for Sanchez looks like value for money.

The other arrival was Mathieu Debuchy who cost the Gunners a reported £10million. He’s settled in well and been one of Arsenal’s best players so far this season, a solid replacement for Bacary Sagna.

Arsenal fans should be aware that because of their net spend being under £50million this summer; the Gunners will still have major financial backing in the upcoming transfer windows.

There will be at least £50million available for Wenger to spend in January, and if he chooses not to spend that, there will be around £100million available in the summer. Perhaps another world class signing is heading to the Emirates next season.

Arsenal and QPR battling to sign Jermain Defoe as he arrives in England for talks

Arsenal are battling QPR to sign former Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe after he arrived in England to seal a deadline day move from Toronto.

Defoe only joined the MLS club in January but has now asked to leave after they sacked manager Ryan Nelsen yesterday.

And after Defoe flew to England last night, reports in America say Arsenal have joined QPR in the race to sign him.

The 31-year-old is rated at about £6million and QPR are ahead in the race, having already made a bid, but the suggestions are that Arsenal have not given up.

The Gunners have twice been linked with moves for the striker in the past, and are keen on bagging a new forward before the window shuts.