Danny Welbeck

Danny Welbeck | Manchester United & England

Premier League legend Alan Shearer believes Gareth Southgate made the right choice to pick Danny Welbeck in his squad for the summer World Cup. The England international managed to net just five goals during the recently concluded Premier League season but the Arsenal striker was still able to make the Three Lions squad ahead of Glenn Murray and Callum Wilson who remain uncapped.

Danny Welbeck has taken a thinly veiled dig towards Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho by suggesting that Marcus Rashford does not have to follow tactical instructions. The England international had a frustrating season with United last season where he was often restricted to the flanks.

As such, Rashford struggled for form during the backend of the Premier League campaign but he has returned to Three Lions duty in splendid fashion with a stunning long-range against Costa Rica. Speaking to reporters, Welbeck admitted that Rashford’s qualities have never been doubted and under Gareth Southgate, he has got the freedom to express himself better than at club level.

Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is relishing a new challenge with the Gunners next season after witnessing the departure of manager Arsene Wenger. The Gabon international became Wenger’s last signing at the Emirates in January and he managed to end the season on a high by reaching double figures in terms of scoring.

Speaking after the game at Huddersfield Town, Aubameyang spoke about his excitement over a new dawn by saying: “Yes, of course. In the last few weeks we have played well. We have a lot of young players and for sure it's good for the (new) manager. It looks good for the future and I'm sure next season is going to be a good one for us.”

Germany international Shkodran Mustafi has revealed that Arsenal had a team meeting shortly after their double hammering at the hands of Manchester City in the League Cup and Premier League respectively. The Gunners succumbed to a 3-0 defeat to the Citizens in the League Cup last month, and shortly after, they suffered another loss by the same scoreline at the Emirates Stadium.

Things were looking gloomy for Arsene Wenger and his players shortly after, but they have managed to turn things around with three victories on the bounce. Speaking to Arsenal Player, Mustafi admitted that the club have had a tough season by their standards, but is content that the team has managed to bond together during the difficult period.

Gareth Southgate has backed Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere to be in contention for the Three Lions' squad, ahead of next summer's World Cup finals in Russia. The 26-year-old was ignored for the previous set of friendlies owing to his reduced game time, but he has since cemented his spot at the heart of the Arsenal midfield after an injury to Aaron Ramsey.

In a report covered by The Mirror, the England coach hinted that the Gunners graduate has a good chance of retaining his national team spot after impressing in the crucial games for the north London club, he said: "It’s a real plus to see him playing at the level he is, and looking as fit as he is. We know his quality, for him to be starting now in regular games, two games a week, playing at a high level is a real bonus for us.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has suggested that he will give an honest feeling on Danny Welbeck’s dive after going through the situation once more. The England international appeared to entice the referee into rewarding a penalty during the Europa League round of 16 tie against AC Milan on Thursday night.

The Gunners had won the first-leg by a comfortable 2-0 scoreline at San Siro, and they appeared on course to secure another shutout at the Emirates until Hakan Calhanoglu opened the scoring from long-range. With the game, evenly balanced, Welbeck went down from a light challenge from Ricardo Rodriguez in the box, and the penalty which changed the complexion of the game.

Arsenal favourite Martin Keown has suggested that Danny Welbeck was holding back during the Gunners' 3-0 win over Ostersund in the Europa League round of 32 first-leg. The England international made his first start for the Gunners following his recovery from a hip problem, and his performance was largely below par throughout the match.

Danny Welbeck has been something of a forgotten man at Arsenal, but his goal finally helped Arsenal achieve a major victory. The club were able to get a 1-0 win over West Ham to reach the semifinals of the League Cup. Even though the victory also saw Olivier Giroud picking up a hamstring injury that may rule him out of a crucial period of fixtures, manager Wenger will be pleased with Welbeck returning to scoring form. The start made by the former Manchester United forward is only the 10th of the campaign, as he has struggled to establish himself due to injuries.

Giroud’s absence is likely to provide him a much more first-team opportunities in a packed schedule for Arsenal. After having scored in the game against West Ham, Welbeck’s confidence levels will also be much higher. After having spent more than a year on the sidelines, Welbeck recently returned to first-team action. The forward was signed from United for £ 16 million, but he has failed to repay the transfer fee with a spate of injury problems and poor performances. Wenger went to the extent of saying that Welbeck playing for the 90 minutes was a positive for the club, but it is hopeful that the England international will rediscover his glory days. This was the fourth goal of the campaign for Welbeck.

Arsenal pair Alexandre Lacazette and Danny Welbeck have surprisingly emerged as transfer targets for Bayern Munich for the January transfer window. The Bavarian giants are on the search for a new marksman, who could reduce the burden on Poland international Robert Lewandowski.

The German champions have started off their league campaign in a reasonably good fashion, but recent injuries to both Lewandowski and Thomas Muller have reduced their options in the attack. The duo are currently recovering from hamstring injuries of their own, and according to Bild, Lacazette and Welbeck have been identified as suitable options to bolster their strike force.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed Danny Welbeck will play no part for the Gunners this month after he suffered a groin injury in the goalless draw at Chelsea last weekend.

Speaking prior to the Doncaster Rovers game in the League Cup, Wenger confirmed that Welbeck would certainly be out for the rest of the month with a scan likely to reveal the extent of the problem, he said: "Danny has a scan today. We don't know how bad his groin injury is but he will certainly be out until the international break."