Danny Welbeck’s replacement: Arsenal board has hinted at a signing in January after admitting that Welbeck’s injury has raised concerns.
Danny Welbeck’s injury against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League game against Sporting Lisbon has raised concerns for the Arsenal board. The English forward has been an important squad player for Unai Emery this season.
Arsenal are currently on a 16-match unbeaten run across all competitions, but have been held to three consecutive draw games in the league. As a result, Arsenal are currently 5th in the Premier League.
Welbeck has had two successful operations and has begun the rehabilitation process. However, no information has been given by the club on his return to action.
And so, Arsenal are reportedly in the transfer market for a forward. The club’s Head of Football, Raul Sanllehi, admitted that the injury to Danny Welbeck has altered Arsenal’s plans for the transfer market.
Welbeck’s replacement found:
Sanllehi made a comprehensive statement following Welbeck’s injury which suggests that Arsenal will be in the transfer market in January, preferably for a forward.
“Danny’s injury was something absolutely unplanned for and it alters our views about the transfer market,” Sanllehi said.
Sven Mislintat has five players on his list ahead of the January transfer window and next summer. Here are the 5 players :
1. Mario Hermosa : Aged 23, CB
2. Emerson : 19, RB
3. Nicolas Pepe : 23, RW
4. Ousmane Dembele : 21, LW
5. Vilius Piliukaitis : 17, CM
[ Sports Bild ] pic.twitter.com/BYL01QvCV3— Transfer News (@Transfer_24X7) November 17, 2018
“I’m not saying it’s an automatic green light to go to the market, but it has made us consider things.
“We are in November so it’s a good time to start analyzing what options we have in the market. If there is a very good opportunity, we’re definitely going to consider it.”
👀 According to reports, #UnaiEmery has made an approach for #Lille star, #NicolasPepe!
🔥 Would he be a good fit for #Arsenal?
Let us know down below! ⬇️#AFC #AFTV #AFTVYG pic.twitter.com/6wZTl6KIda— AFTV Young Gunz (@aftvyounggunz) November 16, 2018
The Times, meanwhile, has reported that Arsenal have taken first steps towards bringing a quality attacker to the squad. According to the report, Arsenal will make a move for Lille’s star Nicolas Pepe in the January transfer market.
Welbeck’s injury could force Arsenal into the transfer market in January, with Lille forward Nicolas Pepe a possibility, while with Welbeck’s deal expires at the end of the season, there is doubt whether he will play for Arsenal again. [@SamiMokbel81_DM] #afc pic.twitter.com/X4YLOzOKUw
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) November 10, 2018
Pepe has scored 8 goals and registered five assists in Ligue 1 for Lille so far, and the club has placed a 27 million pounds value on him. However, Arsenal could face a stiff competition from city rivals Tottenham for his signature.
Nicolas Pepe has scored 21 goals and gave 12 assists in just 59 Ligue 1 games for Lille. What a player! pic.twitter.com/9Kd1WWZC9h
— arsenalstudio (@arsenalstudio1) November 17, 2018
What next?
Arsenal will face Bournemouth on the weekend as they return to the Premier League. Eddie Howe’s side is currently 6th in the league, three points behind the Gunners.
