Arsenal could lose versatile forward to Galatasaray

With Danny Welbeck’s contract up soon, the English forward could be on his way to Turkey

Arsenal have been very fortunate to have Danny Welbeck at the club over the past few years. He has been a managers dream when it comes to team selection, as he is able to play a variety of positions.

Just this season alone, Welbeck has featured as a left winger, central forward, and right midfielder under Unai Emery. Welbeck was used all over the pitch when Arsene Wenger was manager as well, playing left, right, and center multiple times in the same month of matches.

This type of resourcefulness makes him unique in todays game. Players are often pigeonholed in order to better their chances at making the first team. Welbeck, and other players like James Milner and Cesar Azpilicueta, do not get enough praise for the amount of work they put in while playing a multitude of positions.

Unfortunately for Arsenal fans, Welbeck is out of contract at the end of this season. Arsenal are not looking to keep him, making Welbeck a target for clubs around Europe. One club that has particularly taken interest is Turkish giants Galatasaray.

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The serial winners of the Super Lig would be doing a great bit of business if they could lock down Welbeck this summer. Galatasaray are struggling at the moment in league play, sitting in seventh, while recently dropping down to the Europa League after a third place finish in their Champions League group.

Galatasaray parted ways with clinical French forward Bafetimbi Gomis before the start of the season, giving Eren Derdiyok the title of goal getter. The Swiss forward has scored five goals for the club, but another forward would be more than welcomed.

Welbeck would be nearly guaranteed at least a starting role at the club. His quality alone would give the squad a big boost while his experience with European competition would make him vital for squad rotation.

A few new formations could also be used if Welbeck joins the club. The 4231/4141 the club frequents could be changed to a 442 since Welbeck could play up top next to Derdiyok. A 4411 could also be used should Welbeck be deployed as a center forward, playing just under Derdiyok.

It is unfortunate that Arsenal are not exercising the option to sign Welbeck, but Galatasaray could be getting a useful forward that offers the team so much more than just goal scoring ability. Staying healthy is always a concern for Welbeck, but should he stay fit, his services would be warmly welcomed at the Turkish club.

Do you think Arsenal making a mistake letting Welbeck go?