Everton: Arsenal could still hold key to search for striker
By Paul Taylor
If Everton are unable to sign Olivier Giroud, they will reportedly turn their attention to his Arsenal teammate, Danny Welbeck.
It has long been believed Olivier Giroud is Ronald Koeman’s preferred choice, as Everton look to add one more forward to their compliment of options up front. However, even if the Blues are unsuccessful in their pursuit of the French international, Arsenal may well still hold the key to the search for another striker.
As per a report from the Mirror‘s Neil Moxley, Koeman will turn his attention to Danny Welbeck, if Giroud stays with the Gunners (or signs elsewhere). The question is, would this represent a smart move?
The main reason for asking this, relates to Welbeck’s durability – or lack thereof. His professional career has been marked by several absences, due to injury issues.
Further, Moxley’s notes the 26-year-old would likely command a fee of around £30 million in today’s market. Is this price tag really worth paying, for an injury-prone individual?
More from Transfer Rumors
- New Ings link as Everton strive for striking reinforcements before window shuts
- Beto deal claimed to be close as Everton face crucial game without a striker
- Everton may bid for Balde as Gnonto hands in transfer request
- Bid for Adams makes sense for Everton in search for more goals
- Everton should move on from Gnonto as confusion reins over player’s future
However, while signing Welbeck would undoubtedly by a significant gamble, the Blues would be getting a player who is a key contributor when he is fit. His work ethic is excellent, he’s physical and very good in the air.
In addition, the former member of the Manchester United youth academy has the quickness of pace Koeman desires in attack. Perhaps his biggest attribute of all though, is his experience of succeeding at the top level, both domestically and international.
Despite Welbeck’s regular battles with injury, his list of honours include a Premier League title, two FA Cups and a couple of League Cups. Internationally, he has a good strike rate of 14 goals in 34 appearance for England.
As for the Manchester-born player himself, he could arguably welcome a move to Everton, as it would allow him the opportunity to move back home. He would also theoretically get more opportunities to play (assuming he can stay fit), after Arsenal recently signed Alexandre Lacazette.
Overall, we’ll admit to having some initial surprise, when first hearing about the Blues’ potential interest in Welbeck. However, the more we think about it, the more sense if makes – it will be interesting to see how this potential storyline plays out.
Next: Blues may already have their extra striker
What’s your opinion of Welbeck and his career to date? What kind of impact do you predict he would have in the Blues’ lineup? More to the point, would you like them to sign him? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.