As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Ex-Arsenal striker Smith urges Wenger to sign Man Utd's Welbeck

Alan Smith believes Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck would fit in well at Arsenal.

The former Gunner and current pundit has backed Arsene Wenger to sign the 23-year old England international who could be on his way out at Old Trafford before the end of the month.

Smith's notion comes after the ankle injury to Arsenal attacker Olivier Giroud which could keep the France international out for an extended amount of time.

"If Giroud is going to be out for two or three months then you'd want Wenger to go in to the transfer market and get somebody else," Smith told Sky Sports.

"I think he would make an excellent signing for somebody, he's had unfair criticism over the last couple of years really, he's been playing out of position at United and shunted around the park.

"Yes, his finishing hasn't been up to scratch at times but that comes from not playing in your regular position regularly. I think if he was given an extended spell through the middle where he likes it you would see a really top player develop.

"I would love to see him at Arsenal.

"Danny Welbeck's got most attributes. Olivier Giroud is a very good target man and is a very good header of the ball, and he'll get you 20+ goals, so that's not to be sniffed at, but Danny is different. He's very good technically as he's shown with England and he is a bit quicker.

"He'd probably make a very good partner for Giroud but Arsene Wenger isn't overly keen on playing two up top."

Welbeck, who has 26 England caps to his name, has scored 29 goals and produced 21 assists in 141 appearances for United in all competitions.

 For breaking stories and all the great banter like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tribalfootball

Video of the day:

Andrew Slevison
About the author

Andrew Slevison

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free