Arsene Wenger has reportedly stopped Danny Welbeck from going out on loan to Besiktas this month because Alexis Sanchez’s move to Manchester United leaves Arsenal short up front.

Turkish outlet Sporx claim that Besiktas are keen to bring Welbeck on board for the rest of the season.

They’ve just lost their star player Cenk Tosun to Everton for £27m and need to bolster their attack. However, Wenger has reportedly put a stop to it as Alexis’ departure will most likely mean Arsenal need cover in that area.

The 27-year-old has struggled for game time since his move from Manchester United in 2014. Mainly because of injuries. This season, he’s made just nine Premier League starts, out of a possible 23.

Welbeck Jon Moss
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – JANUARY 07: Danny Welbeck (R) of Arsenal talks with referee Jonathan Moss during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at City Ground on January 7, 2018 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

A loan move to a club where he can regularly get into the first-team and build his fitness could be hugely beneficial for him. On the other hand, you can understand why Wenger might be reluctant to let the England forward go out on loan.

Alexis looks pretty much set to sign for United in the coming days, Theo Walcott is about to complete his move to Everton and Olivier Giroud could end up signing for Borussia Dortmund.

Although the latter deal is said to be in exchange for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Gunners would still be left short if the others and Welbz left.

Besiktas are set to go for Leicester City’s Islam Slimani instead.