Arsenal, Premier League

Gunners Sign Danny Welbeck But Why No Defenders?

DannyWelbeckBig transfer deadline day for Arsenal as the Gunners signed Manchester United and England striker Danny Welbeck for £16m.

With Oliver Giroud out until the new year, adding another striker during this window was critical for Arsenal and in Welbeck they have someone who can play in any of the three attacking positions.

I expect Welbeck to move straight into the Arsenal line-up which will push Alexis Sanchez out to the wing, where he can be more effective. When Theo Walcott returns from injury, Arsenal might have the fastest forward line in Premier League history with Walcott, Welbeck and Alexis.

Welbeck became available at United after they signed Radamel Falcao from Monaco in a huge money deal. My worry about Welbeck is whether he can be a 20 goal a season striker, which is what the Gunners need, or is he another 10-12 goals a season striker?

Regardless, at least Arsene Wenger has some attacking options, the same cannot be said for his defence where Arsenal have only six defenders. That is not a typo. Arsenal’s complete defence is Mathieu Debuchy, Kieran Gibbs, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Nacho Monreal and Calum Chambers.

it is stunning to me that Wenger did not add a central defender this summer to replace Thomas Vermaelen who was sold to Barcelona in early August.

The lack of defenders means that Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny and Gibbs will play almost every match, which is a prescription for tiredness and injuries. Which is why I cannot understand why Arsene Wenger did not bring in another defender this summer. Simply mind boggling!