Celtic should consider gamble with pre-contract move for Danny Welbeck

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Celtic should have a look at the forward amid reports that he is set to be available on a free at the end of the season.

Celtic are flying at the moment. Brendan Rodgers’ men have won seven of their last nine games in all competitions and have not lost a domestic fixture since September.

And of course, another trophy is in the cabinet after their League Cup victory at the weekend.

Nevertheless, Rodgers may have his eye on how he can improve the squad further. The Hoops have taken a little while to get going this term and will be disappointed that they did not manage to qualify for the Champions League.

They remain the team to beat in Scotland. So perhaps Rodgers will not have his eye on the kind of targets who would improve the squad depth, and instead be keen to bring in one or two marquee names who could improve his strongest side.

And one player he should arguably consider adding to his wishlist is Danny Welbeck amid reports from The Times which have suggested that Arsenal will let the forward go for free in the summer.

Welbeck is out for the majority of the rest of the season due to injury, The Times reports. It is unfortunately a familiar story for the 28-year-old, who has made just 88 Premier League appearances in just over four seasons with the Gunners.

It is going to be a huge gamble for his next club to offer him a contract given his struggles with injury. But as he is available on a free, Celtic should certainly weigh up a potential pre-contract offer in January.

He is on £70,000-a-week at Arsenal, according to Spotrac. But Welbeck surely cannot expect such a lucrative deal next season given how much time he has spent on the sidelines.

And if Rodgers does make a move and manages to get Welbeck playing regularly, then he could prove to be an inspired signing. He could make a devastating impact for the Hoops – and he should relish the chance to play for a team that spends as much time on the front foot as Celtic do.

It would be a huge risk for Celtic to take. But if the Bhoys do take that gamble and make a move to sign Welbeck, he has the talent to make a deal look like a masterstroke if he stays fit.