Arsenal news: Danny Welbeck insists he is happy to wait for his Premier League chance under Unai Emery

Welbeck is yet to start a Premier League game under Emery

Danny Welbeck has four goals from two starts this season (Reuters)

Danny Welbeck has said that he is in regular conversation with Unai Emery and is happy to wait for his opportunity to start in the Premier League this season, after the England international struck twice to help Arsenal see off Brentford in the EFL Cup third round.

Welbeck is yet to start a league match for Arsenal this season but has impressed in cup competition. His goals against Brentford were his third and fourth of the season from just six appearances, four of which have been from the substitutes bench.

His path into Emery’s preferred starting XI is currently blocked by both Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – both of whom scored in last weekend’s 2-0 win over Everton – but Welbeck has said he is pleased with his start to the season, especially considering his shortened pre-season.

The 27-year-old did not return to the club until August because of England’s run to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.

The forward helped Arsenal see off Brentford (AFP/Getty)

“You have got to wait for your opportunity,” Welbeck said after Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Brentford.

“A few of the lads had a bit more of a pre-season than me which made it a bit difficult, I came a back a bit later than the others.

“I got 90 minutes last week, 90 minutes today and I'm just going to build on it from there and keep improving.

“So I'm happy with the goals, it is more important that we went through to the next round and put in a good performance against a strong side.”

The forward, who came close to leaving Arsenal in the summer transfer window only for a move away from the club to fail to materialise, added that he is in conversation with Emery “every day”.

Welbeck’s performance also caught the eye of team-mate Stephan Lichtsteiner – another player waiting on his first Premier League start this season – who added that the striker’s performance demonstrated how Arsenal have the squad depth to challenge in multiple tournaments this season.

“Yes, of course,” Lichtsteiner replied when asked if Welbeck could offer Arsenal something different going forward. “We have a big team. We can play with two teams in all competitions – that is our goal and we are working for that.”

Like Aaron Ramsey, Welbeck is out of contract at the end of the season and is free to begin negotiating a pre-contract with foreign clubs in January, with Emery admitting that the player’s future is ultimately out of his hands.

Unai Emery says the situation is not in his hands (Arsenal FC via Getty)

“There are three situations when we are speaking with the individual: the club, the player and the team. My focus is the team,” the Arsenal manager said.

“I know they have a year left on their contracts and are speaking with the club but for me the focus is only on the performance, each match and training session.

“Their future is important but it’s like that. The performance and commitment of the player is very high: Aaron [Ramsey, who is also in the final season of his deal] and Welbeck.

“The situation with the club is for them.”