Arsenal are reportedly open to offers for former Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck, with interest from Southampton, Bournemouth and Everton.
According to reports from the Evening Standard, England striker Danny Welbeck could be set for an exit from Arsenal, with interest in abundance from rival Premier League clubs.
The 27-year old former Manchester United academy graduate joined the Gunners back in the summer of 2014, after he was deemed surplus to requirement by then Red Devils’ manager Louis Van Gaal. However, Welbeck has had a difficult time in North London, with injuries hampering him from realizing his full potential.
Since joining Arsenal, the England international has featured 112 times bagging 27 goals and setting up 14 more, on his way to winning two FA Cup trophies. The 2017-18 campaign saw Welbeck score ten times and chalk up two assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.
However, the former Manchester United man finds himself down the pecking order at the Emirates, heading into the post Arsene Wenger era. New manager Unai Emery has January signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as his first choice striker, with Alexandre Lacazette fighting for the spot.
While Welbeck has been used out in the wide areas previously, the recent contract extension of Alex Iwobi, coupled with the emergence of youngsters Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Reiss Nelson, serves further indication that the Englishman will struggle for opportunities on the flanks as well.
It is understood that Emery has already informed Welbeck that he will not be a regular starter and has instructed the club to listen to offers for the forward. The 27-year old has plenty of suitors with Turkish giants Besiktas interested, while the Premier League trio of Everton, Southampton and Bournemouth are also keeping tabs.
Everton had been linked with a move for the former Manchester United attacker back in January as well. And new manager Marco Silva has continued to monitor the striker, as he looks to bolster his attacking ranks. However, with the Toffees reported to be closing in on signing Bernard on a free transfer, they might drop their interest in Welbeck.
Southampton and Bournemouth, on the other hand, haven’t had the busiest of the transfer windows. The South Coast rivals weren’t the most prolific in front of goal last season. And they are hoping to address that issue heading into the new campaign, by bringing in Welbeck into the fold.
Welbeck returned to pre-season training with Arsenal on Monday. The 27-year old was granted an extended vacation owing to his involvement in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, despite playing just 11 minutes for England. With the transfer window set to close in two days, the former Manchester United man finds himself staring at an uncertain future.
Considering that Welbeck has just one year left on his contract, Arsenal would ideally want to cash in on him now, rather than losing him for nothing next summer. The player too would be benefited from a move away, with chances of first-team football looking slim at the Emirates. It remains to be seen where his next destination lies.
