According to The Mirror, Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck has emerged as a transfer target for Everton. The Toffees were interested in the English international in the summer but a move to Goodison Park never materialized. (h/t Mirror)
The 27-year-old is currently in the last year of his contract which is set to expire next summer and the Gunners haven’t held talks over a new contract. (h/t Mirror)
As things stand, Welbeck will be free to enter negotiations with other clubs over a pre-contract agreement when the transfer window opens in January.
A product of the Manchester United youth system, Welbeck made his senior debut in 2008 but found it difficult to get regular minutes due to stiff competition for places at Old Trafford and spent a couple of fruitful loan stints at Preston North End and Sunderland.
However, he played a more significant role for the Red Devils in the latter half of his stay at the club and moved to Arsenal in 2014. Since then, the 27-year-old has made a total of 121 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions, finding the back of the net on 31 occasions.
That is definitely not a bad scoring record since he hasn’t been one of the first names on the teamsheet. Furthermore, he has an enviable scoring record for England, having scored 16 goals in 42 games since his debut in 2011.
And he seems to have made a habit of getting his name on the scoresheet this season under Unai Emery, having scored 4 goals across all competitions. He was also handed his first start in the Premier this season in Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Fulham.
Everton made the headlines with mega-money deals for Yerry Mina and Richarlison in the summer. While the former is yet to make his debut, the Brazilian has been a key figure in the final third for the Toffees. However, Marco Silva should be concerned by Cenk Tosun’s lacklustre form, who has scored only once in eight games.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored a brace in the Carabao Cup against Rotherham and followed it up with the equalizer against Huddersfield Town in the Premier League but he is still young and inexperienced.
Hence, Everton need an experienced customer in front of the goal and Danny Welbeck is the perfect option. Everton have enjoyed considerable success with Theo Walcott and they should not hesitate to go forward with a move for Welbeck as well.
The 27-year-old English international is primarily a striker by trade by can also play as a winger on either side of the pitch. He can also be deployed as a supporting striker to link up the play in the final third.
Welbeck’s technical abilities might not be of the highest level but he is an expert when it comes to scoring goals. When deployed on the flanks, he has the tendency to cut inside with his pace and dribbling skills and can combine with his teammates effectively.
He is not afraid to have a crack at goal and can get on the end of crosses and through balls. Furthermore, the former Manchester United man is also adept at setting up goals with his vision and awareness.
Everton have a lot of attacking talent in their ranks but they haven’t been able to deliver the goods consistently. Welbeck might not be the most consistent player but he can be quite resourceful with his ability to rack up goals and assists.
That said, Everton should take advantage of the situation and lure Welbeck to Goodison Park either in January or next summer.