Danny Welbeck joins Arsenal: Lukas Podolski concedes Welbeck will play ahead of him in Arsenal team

Welbeck joined in £16m move from Manchester United on deadline day

Lukas Podolski controls the ball during Germany's 2-1 win over Scotland last night (GETTY IMAGES)

Lukas Podolski has conceded that Danny Welbeck's £16m move from Manchester United has moved him down the pecking order at Arsenal, but he is a "perfect fit" for the Gunners and is ready to battle for a starting place this season.

The England forward Welbeck moved to the Emirates after a dramatic deadline day transfer, and Podolski, who has yet to truly break into the Gunners' starting XI since his move from FC Koln in 2012, says that "initially" Welbeck will be picked ahead of him.

"Initially, it's a difficult situation for me," the German international told Kicker.

"When you buy new players for a lot of money, they have an advantage because they will play.

"But we've got a long season ahead of us and we'll see what happens. When I am in top shape, I am a perfect fit for the Arsenal team and I see myself in the first XI. That's what I work towards.

"I am not sure [but] I hope that that's the case."

With Olivier Giroud out until December at the very earliest after breaking his tibia, Podolski will compete with Welbeck, Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Yaya Sanogo to lead the line for the Gunners.