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Arsenal news: Gunners chief reveals if Danny Welbeck injury will lead to January signing
ARSENAL could dip into the transfer market as a result of Danny Welbeck’s latest injury.
Welbeck suffered a ‘significant’ ankle injury earlier this month in Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Sporting Lisbon.
The England international’s latest setback, which is expected to keep him on the sidelines for the next four months, has left the north London club with only two out-and-out strikers at their disposal.
Despite that fact, Gunners manager Unai Emery has hinted he won’t bring in reinforcements in January, claiming Welbeck’s injury has provided youngster Eddie Nketiah with the opportunity to force his way into the starting XI.
Arsenal’s head of football Raul Sanllehi agrees with that notion but has admitted Welbeck’s injury could force the club to reassess their plans for the upcoming transfer window.
"That is absolutely something unplanned," Sanllehi said of Welbeck's injury.
"Yes, that makes you consider things. I am not saying that's a green light to go to the market but we have good players in the house also that may get further opportunities, like Eddie Nketiah for example.
"We need to see. We are in November, so it's a good time to start analysing what options we have in the market.
“We are not closing the door but it's still not the preferred one.
If there is a very good opportunity, we are definitely going to consider [it], we will see
"The plans were made in the summer. We are happy with how things are going.
“We are always going to strive to be the best team we can be.
"If there is a very good opportunity, we are definitely going to consider [it], we will see.
“Danny Welbeck's injury alters, in a way, the views."
Welbeck, 27, has vowed to bounce back from his latest injury nightmare and return to the Arsenal fold stronger than ever.
In a recent Instagram post, he said: “Back home... Thanks for all the love and support.
“No doubt I will be back stronger than ever before. Recovery grind starts now.”
Arsenal return to league action on Sunday afternoon when they travel to the Vitality Stadium to take on Bournemouth.