OPINION
If there’s one thing Mike Ashley loves, it’s a bargain.
The controversial Newcastle United owner seems to prioritise pinching the pennies above all else, and you get the impression that nothing gives him greater pleasure than making a steal.
That’s why he should be delighted to hear that Danny Welbeck is leaving Arsenal.
As reported by The Sun, the Gunners made the somewhat unexpected announcement during their last home outing of the season against Brighton on Sunday.
Alongside Aaron Ramsey and Petr Cech, the England striker was honoured for his time at the club, wished all the best, and sent on his merry way.
In some ways, this wasn’t the greatest shock ever. Welbeck is coming to the end of his contract at the Emirates, and there have been no obvious moves to resolve that issue.
Now, however, this announcement has put the issue to bed once and for all; Welbeck is leaving, and he’s leaving for free.
Free. The word alone should be enough to make Ashley’s ears prick up, but if it isn’t then here it is in black and white: Newcastle should sign Welbeck.
The Magpies have been linked with the striker before. According to the Daily Star, Rafa Benitez has been fully aware of his contract situation for a while and is keen on a move.
And it’s easy to see why. Welbeck is a quality player who has just had no luck with injuries. He is not prone to getting crocked per se, but the timings of his complaints have seen him usurped by more glitzy, expensive options at Arsenal.
What he needs is to be the main man somewhere, to come into a side and know that he is the top dog.
Newcastle could offer him exactly that.
The door has surely been opened for the Toon Army to swoop for the £125,000-a-week striker [Spotrac].
