OPINION
There is likely to be plenty of movement in West Ham United’s attacking corps this summer, with uncertainty mounting around a variety of Hammers forwards.
The likes of Lucas Perez and Javier Hernandez are facing uncertain futures, while Andy Carroll will leave on a free in a few months time. It’s no surprise, then, to see the club linked by the Daily Mirror with Arsenal attacker Danny Welbeck.
Luckily for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, Unai Emery confirmed recently, as per Sky Sports, that the England international will be leaving the Gunners when his contract expires this summer, saying: “I spoke with the club and this situation, and the decision is he is going to leave.”
Welbeck, on a reported £125,000-per-week [Source: Spotrac], is an established Premier League performer. He’s never been a truly prolific scorer, but he’s never been featured as the number one striker at Manchester United or Arsenal either.
At West Ham, though, he would likely be a vital part of the Hammers attack. He has the tactical flexibility to operate as a lone frontman or alongside Marko Arnautovic, which would be hugely valuable to Pellegrini.
At 28 years of age he should be coming into his prime, but he’s unlikely to get a chance at another club the size of Arsenal or United. That means he will likely join a team from the tier below like West Ham or Newcastle United.
Perhaps Jack Wilshere could give his old Gunners teammate a nudge in the direction of the London Stadium, with the 27-year-old potentially holding the key to the Hammers’ chance of signing Welbeck.
Either way, Pellegrini’s side must ensure they pounce on the Englishman this summer after Emery confirmed his time in north London has come to an end.
