Arsenal attacker Theo Walcott could have played his last game for the Gunners, as he reportedly nears a move to Everton.
Arsenal’s longest serving player in the current squad, Theo Walcott, is on the verge of completing a £20 million transfer to fellow Premier League outfit Everton this week, as per reports from the Daily Mirror.
The 28-year old came off the bench in the Gunners’ 2-1 loss to Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium this past weekend, and that could very well turn out to be the last time Walcott dons the Arsenal colours.
Signed from the Southampton academy way back in 2006, Walcott was tipped for great heights with the North London outfit. Once touted as the man to fill in the shoes of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, Walcott could never fulfill those lofty expectations.
Having been at Arsenal for over eleven years, Walcott has made 397 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions, scoring 108 goals and registering 78 assists in the process.
However, his time at the Emirates has been constantly marred by injuries as well as inconsistencies in his performance, which meant he was never able to get anywhere near the potential that was projected for him.
Everton close to agreement with Arsenal to sign Theo Walcott for in excess of £20m. #EFC football/financial offer beat rivals. Likely played last #AFC game (397 apps, 108 goals). Money to go towards transfers – Aubameyang/Malcom + Mkhitaryan (Sanchez swap), unlikely to get all 3
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) January 16, 2018
In the 2017-18 campaign, Walcott has struggled for game time at Arsenal, and is yet to start a single Premier League game so far. The Englishman has made just 16 appearances across all competitions for Arsene Wenger’s side, producing a respectable return of 4 goals and 5 assists.
And with the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia not far away, the 28-year old is keen on bolstering his slim chances of making it into Gareth Southgate’s squad for the blockbuster event.
Walcott was linked with a return to boyhood club Southampton earlier this month, but it seems that Everton have now taken the lead in the race for the 47-time capped England international.
The Toffees’ boss Sam Allardyce is keen on strengthening his forward line that has been struggling to deliver goals this season, following the summer departure of Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United.
Everton have already signed Turkish forward Cenk Tosun from Besiktas in January and are now set to make Walcott their second signing of the winter transfer window.
Walcott may have failed to meet the huge expectations at the Emirates, but he has shown that he has plenty left to offer at this level. Given his experience and proven pedigree in the Premier League, he could be a very shrewd purchase for Everton.
