According to a recent report by Express, Newcastle United are keen to lure Arsenal’s Danny Welbeck to St James’ Park this summer. Besides, Welbeck has also been linked with a move to the ranks of Everton. The Toffees have not bought even a single player so far in the transfer window but there is still some time to complete the required business to beef up their ranks.
Arsenal have been quick in enhancing the quality of their armoury as they have already signed Lucas Torreira, Bernd Leno, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Matteo Guendouzi and Sokratis. Under the tutelage of Unai Emery, the Gunners are breathing a new life and he is grooming the squad to meet his needs for the long season that lies ahead.
The former Paris Saint-Germain boss is expected to trim down his squad after the acquisitions he has made. Welbeck is apparently one of the players to whom the exit door of the Emirates Stadium might be shown. As per the reports, Newcastle United are willing to sign the English international on loan, but Arsenal are expected to prefer a permanent move to avoid the risk of losing him for free next summer.
Welbeck’s contract with the North London based club is due to expire at the end of the 2018-19 season and negotiations for an extension of his contract have not been finalized. Besides, Emery has plenty of attacking options in his ranks, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Alexandre Lacazette expected to lead the line. Lucas Perez would also be an option and impliedly, Welbeck’s exit will free up some space.
The Magpies are in dire need of a striker but they do not have the cash and thus, Everton might have the upper hand. Signed from Manchester United in the summer of 2014, Welbeck has had quite a few injury spells but surprisingly, he mostly avoided the treatment table last season and featured in 43 games for Arsenal. He was also included in England’s squad for the World Cup in Russia.
The 27-year-old is approaching the peak period of his career and needs to ply his trade regularly, something which he is not expected to achieve if he stays at Arsenal. Welbeck does have the ingredients of a decent striker and no wonder Rafael Benitez and Marco Silva have placed him on their radar. Arsenal wouldn’t mind letting him leave for the right price and Welbeck’s fresh endeavours with a new club should benefit all the parties involved.