OPINION
Newcastle United have seen the impact a decent centre forward can have on a side more than most this season.
The Magpies will be eternally grateful for the contributions of on loan West Brom striker Salomon Rondon this campaign, with the Venezuelan hitman providing a focal point for United’s attack that has been missing far too often in the recent past.
There is, of course, still huge uncertainty over his future on Tyneside, however, and it seems like a prudent idea for the Magpies to have some kind of contingency plan in place in case they can’t retain his services at the end of the season.
And it would appear that Mike Ashley is eyeing potential replacements for if the worst does come to the worst.
According to Football Insider, the Toon Army could be interested in making a move for Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck this summer.
The 28-year-old is out of contract in the summer, and with the Gunners seemingly having no intention of offering him a new deal, he could be available on a free transfer this summer.
If the Magpies could snap him up at the end of the season, it would be a masterstroke.
Welbeck needs game time and Newcastle need a striker.
Whether Rondon leaves or not, another goalscorer wouldn’t go amiss, especially one of the Arsenal forward’s ability.
With 42 England caps to his name, Welbeck’s ability has never really been in doubt, but the injuries he has sustained, plus the level of investment Arsenal have put into their frontline in recent years, means that his failure to make an impact at the Emirates is understandable.
If he can get a decent run under his belt, and start firing on all cylinders again, he could become a really smart solution to a looming problem for the Toon Army.