In the summer there was talk of Uni Emery being open to offers for Danny Welbeck. The striker’s chances of earning a contract extension have been hurt by an injury which is expected to rule him out for the rest of the campaign.
It leaves Aubameyang and Lacazette has our only two fit senior forwards. Could this force us to do business in January?
Here are possible ways to fill the gap in our squad.
Trust in Youth?
One of the new manager’s job specification was to carry on developing talent from our youth set up. Arsene Wenger gave several youngsters professionals debuts last year, mostly in cup ties. Eddie Nketiah has a decent goal for game ratio for the under-age groups and continues to be compared to Ian Wright. Gooners have been anxious to see more of him since scoring twice against Norwich in the League Cup. We don’t see him in training though and now his new boss hasn’t trusted him. With qualification assured, it won’t hurt to give in a chance in our final Europa League games.
Smith Rowe seems to have jumped the queue out of our academy prospects. He has 2 goals already this season and it’s when and not if he features in the Premiership. Welbeck often plays on the left so his spell on the side lines could free up a pathway into the first team for the teenager.
Reports differ if there is a call back option on Reiss Nelson’s loan. Him being asked to return in January makes the most sense if Stan Kroenke doesn’t want to put his hands in his pockets. If he’s confident enough to play in Germany, he can handle the odd cup tie.
Ramsey exchange?
I wrote before potential midfielders we could swap Rambo for in the New Year. Like the Sanchez saga, we may as well get a player in exchange rather than lose him for nothing (Juan Mata, Fabregas). Do any potential suitors have any strikers they could offer as bait to sell to them?
A Giroud return?
I have written before that I’d take a gamble on Sturridge. Again, better than nothing.
Splash Big?
It’s unlikely our owner will show any ambition in the next transfer window. He has though signed a massive deal with Adidas for their logo to be on our shirts. It’s tradition for a new sponsor to want a marquee signing to advertise their product. For example, it’s believed Puma pretty much paid for Alexis Sanchez. Could our American billionaire be convinced to bring any targets forward considering the lack of numbers we have in attack? Someone like a Zaha?
Any ideas Gooners?
Dan Smith