The Saints are on the lookout for a forward, and with Danny Welbeck reportedly being out of favour at Arsenal, a late move could be on the cards today.
Southampton are looking to take advantage of Danny Welbeck’s situation at Arsenal and plotting a late move for the English forward before the transfer window shuts later today, all according to Tribal football. Southampton who are actively chasing a forward player, are likely to land Welbeck if a deal could be agreed.
Arsenal have reportedly told Danny Welbeck that he would be surplus to requirements this season under Unai Emery and have instructed his agent to find a new club for the forward. Arsenal’s decision to cash-in on a player with one year left on his current deal comes as no surprise as Emery looks set to trim his squad even further.
Welbeck’s preferred playing position is through the middle, but Arsenal are well stocked with Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang options for that spot. For a good part, Welbeck has played on either side of attack but through the middle, Emery currently prefers other players there.
Welbeck’s situation at Arsenal was affected by the January capture of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is not reportedly primed to play on the left side of attack, or even Alex Iwobi who is another option for Emery, as well as the fact that the Nigerian recently signed a long-term deal at Arsenal.
All of this points to Welbeck being surplus to requirements and with interest from three Premier League clubs, he could leave before the window shuts. For now, Southampton are a real option, primarily if he seeks regular first-team football, or Bournemouth, but Everton, another prospective suitor, might not want him now.
Everton were initially interested in signing Welbeck to pair him with former Arsenal teammate Theo Walcott, but their reported signing of Bernard from Shakhtar would kill any chances of the Arsenal forward moving there. That leaves the other two, especially Southampton in pole position.
Welbeck has entered the last year of his current deal at Arsenal, and the club are more interested in selling him, as the absence of a new contract offer would suggest. However, Arsenal might not be able to recoup the £16 million they paid to Manchester United for him, but expect a significant fee for the England international.
Welbeck could be a good fit for the Saints as they seemingly lack a goalscorer in the side. The move could also let Arsenal bring in some funds as well as trim their squad to Emery’s preference. Welbeck, if he is to leave will join Lucas Perez who joined West Ham and David Ospina who is reportedly a target of Besiktas.
