Rio: Welbeck will 'explode'

London - Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand expects Danny Welbeck to "explode" if given regular game-time at Arsenal.

Read: Beckham sad to see Welbeck go

According to the Independent, Ferdinand has backed the new Gunners signing to flourish as a striker.

“Welbeck is a top signing for Arsenal,” Ferdinand said.

Ferdinand, who has since joined Harry Redknapp at Queens Park Rangers, has seen first-hand Welbeck's progress as a player. Welbeck had been part of the youth system at Manchester United since the age of eight. 

“If he gets that trust to be No 1 striker at AFC he will flourish and explode,” added the defender.

With current number one striker Olivier Giroud out of action until next year with a reported fractured ankle, the now ex-Manchester United player will be in line to make his debut when Arsenal host English Premiership champions Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on September 13.

The match kicks off at 13:45.

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