Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expected forward Danny Welbeck back in action soon after the international break. And, so Wenger did not go aggressive in the transfer market for a new striker this summer. However, Wenger’s decision seems to have backfired now. The transfer window has come to a close and Danny Welbeck is ruled out of action following a knee surgery until Christmas.
Danny Welbeck is Arsenal’s only recognized striker other than Olivier Giroud
The Arsenal forward picked up the injury during the Gunner’s scoreless home draw against Chelsea in April.
Welbeck made 34 appearances since making his move away from Manchester United in the previous summer’s deadline day. The England forward has scored eight goals during his first season at the Emirates stadium, mostly playing out wide or in the absence of preferred striker Olivier Giroud.
The lack of a recognized striker up-front could be a problem for the Gunners, as there have been occasional spells in the past where Giroud has been out-of-form. This season, Arsenal already face the crisis of lack of goals and the injury to Danny Welbeck can only make it worse.
The Gunners have Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Joel Campbell – who are capable of performing as the striker, however they have mainly played in the wings under Wenger. And, this could be a perfect opportunity for Theo Walcott who has eyed the centre-forward role at the club since the departure of Robin Van Persie.
Will Wenger regret his decision of not signing an outfield player?
Arsenal were the only club to have not signed an outfield player among Europe’s top five leagues, said a BBC report. That decision might come to haunt Arsene Wenger now, like most campaigns his squad again faces a lack of depth of quality players.
The Gunners were heavily linked with Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema and PSG’s Edinson Cavani, but neither of the deals went through for Arsenal.
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