Former Arsenal player Paul Merson believes that Danny Welbeck will reach a higher goal tally with the London club than Radamel Falcao will at Manchester United.

The England international moved to the Emirates from Old Trafford on transfer deadline day for a reported £16m fee.

After struggling to secure a regular starting spot at United, Welbeck was given the go-ahead to leave the club by manager Louis van Gaal, who recently suggested that the forward is not up to the Red Devils' standard.

Since joining United on a season-long loan, Falcao is yet to score for the former Premier League champions, while Welbeck has netted four times for the Gunners.

"[Welbeck will] score more goals than Falcao, in my opinion," Merson told Sky Sports News. "I was shocked that he was allowed to go. A young English player - very shocked."

Welbeck scored his first competitive hat-trick in Arsenal's 4-1 victory over Galatasaray in the Champions League group phase last night.