Arsenal: Wesley Moraes potential Danny Welbeck solution
Arsenal are reportedly looking to sign Club Brugge centre-forward Wesley Moraes this summer. The Brazilian would provide a solution to the potential Danny Welbeck problem.
Brazilian forward Wesley Moraes has admitted that playing in the Premier League still remains his goal, in the midst of the reports that Arsenal are looking to sign him. Unai Emery is reportedly looking to sign the Brazilian this summer as a replacement for Danny Welbeck.
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It is believed that Emery wants another striker in his squad, which already boasts of Alexandre Lakazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, as well as Welbeck, although the latter is expected to leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires.
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Moraes is currently valued at £15 million Club Brugge, which is the type of price-range that the Gunners will be operating in this summer. His form in recent times has only added fuel to the speculation. Perhaps Emery wants to add Moraes into the mix to add a bit more competition between Lacazette and Aubameyang, as well as providing some depth across the frontline, very much like Welbeck.
The 22-year-old has admitted that he has read all the big names that are after him and he is of the opinion that a move to England is way more different than a move to China. Speaking to Het Belang van Limburg, Moraes stated:
"“I do know that I once said that I want to go to England and that is still the case.”"
The forward disclosed that even though he follows the Premier League closely, he is still open for a move to other leagues — obviously, he wants to make his market as big as possible this summer, so he is trying to not completely alienate non-English clubs.
Moraes’ performances have grabbed some big eyeballs including those of the French giants, Paris Saint-Germain. The numbers suggest that it is justified. In his 40 outings, the Brazilian has 15 goals to his credit and ten assists to top that. Although the Belgian league is a lesser level of competition, those numbers are undeniable, especially for a 22-year-old.
If Welbeck does leave this summer, as is anticipated, Arsenal may need to seek an external replacement. Numbers at the striker position are a little thin, especially if Emery is not convinced about the readiness of Eddie Nketiah. Moraes would provide a solution to the potential depth problem at the centre-forward position.
As of now, these are all fairly baseless rumours. Moraes may have protested his desire to move to the Premier League, but whether Arsenal are actually interested remains to be seen. Nevertheless, a Welbeck replacement could well be on the shopping list this summer, and Moraes most certainly fits the bill.