Sunday 12 August 2018 11:19, UK
Unai Emery may have found a radical solution to Arsenal's left-back conundrum after revealing England forward Danny Welbeck has been training in the role.
The Gunners welcome champions Manchester City to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, for Emery's first competitive game in charge since he replaced Arsene Wenger in May.
Welbeck has been linked with a move away from Arsenal for much of the summer having struggled for regular football in recent months.
His ability to operate in a number of different roles within the attack has sometimes worked against him when it has come to nailing down a specific position.
But he has now even been tried out as a defender under new head coach Emery as both Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac will miss the visit of Pep Guardiola's team.
"Danny Welbeck is one of the players who has a multi-position possibility," the Arsenal boss said.
"Right winger, left winger, striker, and also yesterday he worked with us at left-back - his performance was good! I like this spirit. To help positions across the team with positive spirit."
Emery also insisted on Friday that Welbeck is not one of the players who would be free to leave before the European transfer window shuts at the end of the month.
The Spaniard has said goalkeeper David Ospina, defender Carl Jenkinson and forward Joel Campbell will be allowed to seek a new club - but went on to challenge Welbeck to shine this year.
"I said to him when he arrived with us after the holidays, I want the best performance in his career from this player - and to work for that," Emery said of the former Manchester United man.
"[We will be] helping with his quality and also getting better with his quality and his data in this year. More goals, more assists. Working to help when we need quick pressing against the opposition."
"For me it's clear. Yesterday the transfer window closed and our players will stay with us."
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