Dream, realistic, wildcard, Squawka suggests: how can Arsenal replace Danny Welbeck in January?

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Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck recently suffered a nasty ankle injury against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League, keeping the England international out for some time following two successful operations.

The Gunners are currently on a 16-match unbeaten run in all competitions, but with the fixtures coming thick and first over the upcoming months, Unai Emery may be looking elsewhere for inspiration.

By elsewhere, we mean in the January sales, with the Premier League side aiming to keep their consistency in the Premier League and in Europe.

This strength in depth is vital for teams such as Arsenal so signing someone to take the place of the former Manchester United attacker makes perfect sense.

With Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Eddie Nketiah being able to shoulder the centre-forward burden, Welbeck’s injury could provide Arsenal the opportunity to sign the pacy winger they are desperate for.

But who should they target?

Below are four players that could possibly make the move; a dream scenario, a realistic option, a wildcard and the signing Squawka believes Arsenal should make.

Dream: Ousmane Dembélé

The former Borussia Dortmund youngster showcased such supreme talent that he was able to convince La Liga giants Barcelona to spend upwards of €105 million plus a reported €40 million in add-ons for his services.

However, since his move to Spain, his career has been blighted with injuries and off-field problems that have seen him make the headlines for more wrong reasons than right.

Coming close to 18 months at the club, Dembele has played in 38 matches across all competitions, scoring 10 goals. Despite his age, the 21-year-old’s price tag naturally has people demanding more from the talented attacker.

With the ability to play anywhere across the frontline – using either foot – Dembele still has plenty of time to turn things around but he may not get that chance at Barcelona.

Despite his form, his transfer value would still be high. But, if Arsenal had the finances to source this deal, Dembele’s age, ability and longevity could offer both parties a solution to their respective problems.

A short-term loan could prove more beneficial for all parties. Dembele would be taken out of the Barcelona spotlight whilst Arsenal would fulfil a role in their squad that could be occupied by on-loan wonderkid Reiss Nelson.

Throw in the fact that Dembele and current Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang formed the deadliest duo in Europe during the soul Bundesliga season together and a potential move, whether temporary or permanent, becomes even more exciting.

Realistic: Nicolas Pépé

The 23-year-old has lit up Ligue 1 so far this campaign with some highly impressive performances for second-placed Lille.

The Ivory Coast international has scored an impressive eight goals in 13 league matches this season, providing an additional five assists for his teammates.

Pépé only signed a five-year deal with the club in 2017 following his development in lower leagues but now looks to be ready to make a further step up; Arsenal could be just the place to do that.

With more goals than Dembélé, Pépé would also be the far cheaper option if Emery seeks to bring in reinforcements across the entirety of his squad.

The Ivorian has taken more shots (55) than any other player in the French top tier this season, thriving in a right-wing role that allows him to cut inside onto his stronger left foot.

Pepe has also won 35 fouls (third most), created 25 chances (joint-ninth most) and completed 23 take-ons (11th most), all highlighting just how bright a start to the season he has made.

Arsenal have a history of bringing players over from Ligue 1 to star in the Premier League and perhaps Pépé will just be another in a long line of Gunners stars to succeed on English soil?

Wildcard: Cristian Pavón

Yet another youngster to make his way onto this list, Pavón is busy establishing himself on both the domestic and international stage.

The Argentinian has already got 11 caps to his name after he made his way through the South American country’s youth system which resulted in four appearances at this summer’s World Cup in Russia.

Domestically, Pavón has continued to find success with his current club Boca Juniors. He currently sits on 95 appearances, scoring 26 goals and assisting 29 times in all competitions, meaning he averages an involvement in a goal every 1.72 games.

He has already proven his worth in his native country having helped Boca to three Primera División titles so far in his career, as well as this year’s prestigious Copa Libertadores final.

Pavon’s pace and creativity is exactly what Arsenal need to add to their squad, but the Argentine is the wildcard option as signing a player directly from South America has proven to be a much greater risk.

Squawka Suggests: Christian Pulisic

Quite possibly the most established player on this list, Pulisic would be a fantastic capture for Arsenal.

At just 20, Pulisic has already experienced the regularity of domestic, European and international football, with both Borussia Dortmund and the USA utilising him consistently in their first team affairs.

In the recent international break, Pulisic became the youngest captain in USMNT history.

The American has made 109 appearances for Dortmund at club level, scoring 15 times, and is capable of playing in any role behind the main striker despite earning most of his minutes on the right-hand side.

BVB are currently top of the Bundesliga, with their faith in youth being rewarded in abundance, although it has been former Man City teenager Jadon Sancho, rather than Pulisic, stealing the headlines this season.

Sporting Director Michael Zorc recently confirmed that Pulisic would only be able to leave at the end of the current campaign, but did not rule out a potential departure.

However, the fact that former Dortmund players have made the switch to Arsenal – Henrikh Mkhitaryan (via Man Utd), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Sokratis – means familiar faces would await Pulisic’s arrival if he were to decide to move to the Premier League.

Sven Mislintat, Dortmund’s previous chief scout, could also have a role to play in persuading his former side to let go of Pulisic earlier than they may wish to.

The post Dream, realistic, wildcard, Squawka suggests: how can Arsenal replace Danny Welbeck in January? appeared first on Squawka News.



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