Arsenal could reportedly hand Danny Welbeck a new contract with his current deal at the Emirates set to expire at the end of the season.
According to The Mirror, the likes of West Ham, Everton and Newcastle are keen on the 28-year-old, but Arsenal may scupper their hopes of signing him on a free by offering fresh terms to commit his future to them instead.
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On one hand, the England international has proven to be a useful player in the squad since joining from Manchester United in 2014, scoring 32 goals in 126 games.
His versatility undoubtedly will play a part in convincing Unai Emery to keep him on, but the problem that Welbeck has faced throughout his career is that he remains injury prone.
In fact, he is currently sidelined with an injury issue and has made just 14 appearances this season. While he enjoyed a 43-game campaign last year, he managed just 35 games in the two years prior to that.
As a result, while it’s one thing being a valued member of the squad, the fact that he has been unreliable in terms of maintaining his fitness and steering clear of injuries surely has to influence the final decision that Arsenal make.
As seen in the tweets below, opinion is certainly split amongst the supporters, as although a great number of them expressed their view that the Gunners should keep Welbeck on beyond this summer, others cited his injury problems as a major reason as to why they shouldn’t.
Further, it could be argued that clearing his wages off the salary bill could free up some additional funds to go towards a new signing, and so it promises to be an important decision from Arsenal who have already seen Aaron Ramsey secure a move to Juventus with his contract also expiring this summer.
Danny Welbeck getting a new contract is a no brainer. Sign him up ?
— Ellis Maisey (@ellismaisey) April 27, 2019
Everyone’s quick to forget how well he was playing before his injury. He can play across the front three, can press for days and is quick/strong and good in the air. In those away games when we’re drawing or losing by a goal, he can come on and make an impact.
— ???? (@hamzaa_123) April 27, 2019
He absolutely deserves at least another year at Arsenal. Played really good before the injury
— Gooner Vlori (@vlorjano) April 27, 2019
I would be happy having him at arsenal. But his injuries have been a concern
— Victoria Concordia Crescit (@arsenalwhatever) April 27, 2019
I like his style of play too
— tinah (@tinah42002) April 27, 2019
He should stay
— Danny Njugunah Gooner (@danny_njugush) April 27, 2019
He should get a deal. He’s a great team player and works his socks off!! Emery type of player, would get enough games
— MRC (@mistercgooner) April 27, 2019
Lord Welbz deserves to stay at Arsenal
— Abdullah Khan (@TheAbdullahKhan) April 27, 2019
We should just count our losses with him & be willing to give Nketiah a chance, he (Eddie) looked ready in his cameo at wolves after all.
— Afas Nkemakonam. (@Alcapone247) April 27, 2019
Versatile sure but that only matters when he’s fit to play. I don’t see a reason to go through with this.
— Varun (@AFCKaiser) April 27, 2019
We should not be giving him a new contract. He’s a good squad player but it’s time to give Nketiah his chance.
— CG (@CaptainGranit34) April 27, 2019
Only the 120k a week..Ooh yeah.top7 is secured next season with THAT mentality ?
— Tas Jamie (@Jamie__Gunner) April 27, 2019
In the same way West ham were only decent club in for wilshere, that should be a warning sign why we shouldn’t be keeping on another injury prone player on a big contract. Thanks for the service Danny
— Ciaran O Conluain (@LoveCycling) April 27, 2019
Since joining in 2014 he’s played 46 out of 188 league games. That’s 24% of the time, not enough. Scoring just 16 goals. I think it’s time to get some money back for him, and let him move on.
— Ash (@TheAshMorgan) April 27, 2019
