OPINION
Newcastle United could have been given a potential boost by confirmation from Arsenal manager Unai Emery that Danny Welbeck will be leaving the club on a free transfer this summer.
Rafa Benitez’s side are reportedly interested in signing Welbeck this summer, with the Chronicle reporting Newcastle’s interest in the England international back in April, and the Magpies will be encouraged by the development that the 28-year-old can leave Arsenal for nothing at the end of his contract.
“I spoke with the club and this situation, and the decision is he is going to leave,” said Emery, as quoted by Sky Sports.
The news of Welbeck’s situation will surely be welcomed by Newcastle’s owner Mike Ashley, with the 54-year-old very rarely releasing large transfer funds to his manager, with club record January signing Miguel Almiron the exception rather than the rule.
Under Ashley’s ownership Newcastle’s net spend is amongst the lowest in the Premier League, making it difficult to attract the sort of players needed for Benitez to take the club to the next level.
However, Ashley may need to demonstrate that he is willing to allow Benitez to strengthen his squad this summer, if he going to be able to persuade the Spaniard to remain in charge at St James’ Park.
Therefore, Ashley will be pleased if the Magpies are able to recruit a player of Welbeck’s pedigree, with the 28-year-old making 42 appearances for England since being given his international debut in 2011, and gaining vast Premier League experience with both Manchester United and Arsenal throughout his career.
Despite being made available for a free transfer, though, the Englishmen would not be a completely risk free addition given his torrid recent injury record, with Welbeck limited to only eight Premier League appearances for Arsenal due to injury this season.
Welbeck would be a very useful addition to Newcastle’s forward line, if they are able to secure his signature, but he would need to demonstrate that he is able to play consistently in the Premier League without suffering any more injuries, for him to be a success at St James’ Park.