Arsenal speedster Danny Welbeck has been linked with a shock move to Besiktas this summer. According to recent reports, the Turkish giants are hoping to make a move for the English forward during this summer transfer period. It is believed that Şenol Güneş’ side are on the lookout for a new attacking option as a replacement for Anderson Talisca, who might be on his way to the Premier League following his two-year loan spell at the Vodafone Park.
Welbeck had been plagued with injuries during his time at the Emirates Stadium and was not available for selection for the majority of last season. However, he still managed to register 5 goals in 28 league appearances which saw him get rewarded with a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup that kicks off in Russia next month.
Some sources are now claiming that Besiktas are lining up a surprise move for the Arsenal man in the summer. Welbeck’s current contract with the North London side is set to expire at the end of the next campaign which has thrown his Arsenal future in doubt. Hence, the Gunners could be more willing to sell him this summer rather than risk losing him for free next year.
The England international joined the Gunners from Manchester United in the summer of 2014 and has featured in 112 matches under Arsene Wenger while scoring 27 goals and creating 14 assists during that time across all competitions.
The North London team only managed to earn a sixth-place finish in the English top-flight last term. They are now likely to go through a period of transition under their new manager Unai Emery as he looks to stamp his authority over the current Gunners squad.
Retaining some of their top talents like Welbeck could go a long way in helping them challenge for a top 4 place next year. However, with the arrivals of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the past two transfer windows, Welbeck has fallen down the pecking order which could lead to him being shipped out of the club in the coming weeks.
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The Gunners could look to utilise the money generated from his potential sale to strengthen other areas of their squad. Although the English forward’s versatility will be a big loss as he can operate in a number of different positions across the pitch. Welbeck primarily plays as a centre-forward but can also be deployed on either flank or as a secondary striker which makes him an invaluable asset for the North Londoners. Only time will tell what lies ahead in the future of Welbeck and whether he ends up making a switch away from the Emirates Stadium in this post-season.
