Arsenal's English striker Danny Welbeck (R) celebrates with Arsenal's Swiss defender Stephan Lichtsteiner after scoring the team's second goal during the UEFA Europa League group E football match between Arsenal and Vorskla Poltava at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 20, 2018. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP) (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)

Arsenal Gossip

Report: Arsenal open to offers for Danny Welbeck as Crystal Palace weigh up £10m bid

Nov 7, 2018

Arsenal are ‘ready to listen to offers’ for Danny Welbeck in January, and Crystal Palace are weighing up a £10m bid, according to a report on Wednesday.

Mark Irwin of The S*n writes that Roy Hodgson wants to reunite with the England striker by bringing him to Selhurst Park in a £10m deal. Whilst Unai Emery is happy to keep Welbeck around until the end of the season, the club are keen to cash in rather than losing the striker and Aaron Ramsey for free next summer.

Palace are in desperate need of a striker, having failed to score a single goal from open play at home this season. Welbeck could be certain of regular game time for the club as a result, which would appeal to him.

It’s a bit strange that Arsenal are so keen to let the 27-year-old go right now though. Welbeck has five goals and an assist already this season, despite only starting six matches in all competitions. He’s clearly proving a valuable alternative option when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette aren’t available.

Perhaps Emery is looking at the strength of the forward options in the academy, particularly Eddie Nketiah, and preferring to put his faith in them whilst cashing in on Welbeck. We’ll have to wait and see.