Ferdinand, who played alongside Welbeck for United, says Arsene Wenger's £16m deadline day purchase is a "top signing".
The 23-year-old, who is currently on international duty with England, and trained with the centre-back Ferdinand for six seasons. Ferdinand himself left United this summer, signing for Queens Park Rangers on a free transfer.
"Welbeck is a top signing for Arsenal," Ferdinand said. "If he gets that trust to be No 1 striker at AFC he will flourish and explode."
Welbeck scored 29 goals in 142 appearances in all competitions for United, and won the Premier League title with the club in 2013.
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