Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck could be making a late departure from the Emirates after reports today suggest he’s been told that he’s surplus to requirements under the new Gunners regime.
The 27-year-old English international has less than a year remaining on his contract and so a lucrative deal as a free agent is only one season of bench-warming away, if he was to be that way inclined.
It’s expected he’ll have no shortage of suitors, with reports suggesting a clutch of Premier League clubs are after the scrawl of the vastly-experienced former Manchester United forward.
And it’s Southampton, a club who’ve lacked the requisite firepower up front for some time now, who are being backed as his most likely destination.
Bookmaker Ladbrokes have cut the price of that potential move happening to 4/1 from 12/1 earlier in the day.
Everton are 6/1 second-favourites, with Valencia a surprise inclusion along with Newcastle in joint-third shortest in the betting at 8/1.
Representatives of Ladbrokes Alex Apati said: “Welbeck could well have played his last game for Arsenal and the latest betting suggests it’s Southampton who’ll seal a deal for the England forward.”
Saints have already brought in attacking players this summer, with the former Basel winger Mohamed Elyounoussi and the former Celtic man Stuart Armstrong coming to the south coast outfit earlier in the window.
Second favourites Everton have embarked on a punchy programme of summer spending, which has including the purchase of the Brazilian striker Richarlison for a fee starting at £40M from Watford.
