Arsenal: Danny Welbeck solution can’t become another problem

Arsenal are going to have to do something about the Danny Welbeck void, but Raul Sanllehi’s way isn’t the only way. There are options here.

Arsenal are used to having to compensate for injuries, but even still, it doesn’t deaden the shock at all when something drastic happens. And while Danny Welbeck wasn’t a regular in the starting XI, his injury is going to require a reaction.

Raul Sanllehi has issued this thoughts, saying that the club might have to purchase someone to replace Welbeck, even though Unai Emery has admitted that Eddie Nketiah will be given his chance (at least) to be the replacement.

Clashing opinions provides for options, but I think it’s more than a little bit important to remember not to overthink this injury. We still don’t know if Welbeck is going to be at the club past this season, but if they go and buy someone, I think it’s safe to say that he won’t be.

Simply because, if you plan on keeping Welbeck, then suddenly you’ve got him and his replacement, both ahead of Nketiah. And that doesn’t speak for good odds for any of the three to get consistent playing time.

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What makes a heck of a lot more sense is to think of it this way: Welbeck is a striker. But he has been primarily used as a winger, or a late injection of energy into any given match. You don’t need another striker to recreate what he brings. What you need is an actual winger to compliment Nketiah, who can be the striker that the Welbeck void allows for.

It’s a pretty simple plan to follow. Purchase someone who not only “replaces” Welbeck, but also fills the gaping hole on the wings that has been there for years. A hole that Welbeck had been plugged into, despite being a square peg for the round hole.

At the end of the day, the worst thing that can happen is for Nketiah to be blocked more. He needs to be given his chance, otherwise we will never know what we have. And that would be the true travesty.

It’s not an easy situation to approach, but it’s important not to overthink how to solve the problem without making another problem in the process. Emery has been fantastic about getting the best out of young players, and Nketiah needs to be next. Other than that, replacing Welbeck is more about practicality.