Alan Smith: 'I'd Love To See Danny Welbeck At Arsenal'

Alan Smith says Danny Welbeck would be an excellent signing for Arsenal to cover for the injured Olivier Giroud.

Frenchman Giroud was injured in the last minute of injury time during the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park on Saturday and faces a lengthy lay-off if further testing proves he has broken a bone. Manager Arsene Wenger informed press at Tuesday's news conference that the 27-year-old would go for further scans on Wednesday.

Former Gunners striker Smith told skysports.com that the injury may force Wenger's hand in the transfer market and that out-of-favour Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck could be an ideal target

"If Giroud is going to be out for two or three months then you’d want Wenger to go in to the transfer market and get somebody else" said Smith.

"I think he would make an excellent signing for somebody, he’s had unfair criticism over the last couple of years really, he’s been playing out of position at United and shunted around the park.

"Yes, his finishing hasn’t been up to scratch at times but that comes from not playing in your regular position regularly. I think if he was given an extended spell through the middle where he likes it you would see a really top player develop.

"I would love to see him at Arsenal.

"Danny Welbeck’s got most attributes. Olivier Giroud is a very good target man and is a very good header of the ball, and he’ll get you 20+ goals, so that’s not to be sniffed at, but Danny is different. He’s very good technically as he’s shown with England and he is a bit quicker.

"He’d probably make a very good partner for Giroud but Arsene Wenger isn’t overly keen on playing two up top."