Arsenal attacker Danny Welbeck is set to leave the Emirates at the end of the season when his contract with the Gunners expires. The former Manchester United player, who joined the club in the 2014-15 season, leaves the London club after making over a 100 appearances for the side and winning two FA Cups.
Now, reports have emerged that the Englishman could be a target for Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United side, who have struggled for goals this season. Newcastle United might eventually end up having a decent season in the Premier League and will finish mid-table as Benitez’s men survive the Premier League once again despite a few minor hiccups.
Will the signing of Welbeck be a smart move by Benitez?
Cash-strapped Newcastle United, who are currently for sale as current owner Mike Ashley is ready to step away from the club, will need significant investment in the next season to push further up the table.
One area that they will need to strengthen is the final third as the Magpies are desperately in need of a 20-goal striker.
Welbeck has been unlucky over the last few seasons as several injuries have resulted in him not getting enough time on the pitch. In yet another injury-ravaged season, the striker scored just 5 goals in 16 appearances for Arsenal.
While he may not be the 20-goal striker that Newcastle want (he hasn’t breached the 10-goal mark in the league with Arsenal or Manchester United), he will be available on a free transfer, which will be music to the ears of the Newcastle United board, who have spent meagrely over the last few seasons.
The English striker is quick and useful for counter-attacking football, while he also possesses the work-rate that suits the kind of football that Rafa Benitez plays at Newcastle United. Welbeck can also play as a lone striker, using his strength and pace to get past defenders, while he can also play out wide from the left, cutting from the outside into the box.
The Magpies’ current strikers, Ayoze Perez and Salomón Rondón, have scored 12 and 11 goals in all competitions, respectively, which is way below what is expected of a top 10 side, which is where Newcastle United would like to be.
Everton are also rumoured to be interested in the English striker.
Newcastle were recently linked with current Roma striker Edin Dzeko, who previously played in the Premier League with Manchester City.
