Arsenal are interested in signing Manchester United and England forward Danny Welbeck but face a battle to get an £18m deal completed before Monday’s transfer deadline.

The 23-year-old has been told he can leave Old Trafford as manager Louis van Gaal continues to build a squad he feels can challenge for honours.

Arsenal had wanted to explore a loan deal but Welbeck has made it clear that he will only consider a permanent move. Any transfer is also complicated by United’s reluctance to sell to a direct rival and privately Arsenal are not overly confident of securing the player’s signature

Tottenham were also believed to be keen on a move for Welbeck, who has scored 20 goals in 92 Barclays Premier League appearances, but the Manchester-born striker is understood to favour a move to Arsenal because they can offer Champions League football.