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.
“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.”
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.
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.
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.
