Theo Walcott has emerged as a shock summer target for West Ham United, who are reportedly plotting a £25 million move for the Arsenal forward.
According to a report in the Daily Mirror, West Ham United have set their sights on Theo Walcott over a move in the summer transfer window. The Hammers are set to test the waters with a bid worth £25 million.
Theo Walcott has endured a topsy turvy career at Arsenal, having arrived at the Emirates in 2006 as one of the most exciting young prospects in England. More than 11 years down the line though, the player has arguably failed to hit the heights that his talent promised.
While he has shown sparks of brilliance, Walcott has also had the tendency to frustrate with his inconsistencies. And it was more of the same in 2016/17, as the Englishman started the season brightly before his form petered out as Arsenal’s campaign unravelled in 2017.
Walcott finally lost his place in the starting eleven when Arsene Wenger introduced the new 3-4-3 system towards the fag end of the season, as he started the last seven games on the bench. Should the Arsenal boss continue with the system next season, Walcott is likely to play a bit part role again.
With the World Cup just a year away though, the player is eager to play regularly in order to secure a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the tournament. Thus, it is likely that Walcott could be seeking a fresh challenge in the summer to regain his place in the England national squad.
And that challenge could come at West Ham, who have reignited their interest in the 28-year-old after failing to land him last summer. Walcott would be a top notch recruitment for the Hammers who are desperate to bounce back into the top half of the table after a below par campaign.
And a player who scored 19 goals for Arsenal in 2016/17 would definitely be a welcome addition into a team that struggled in the final third at times in the recently concluded season. In fact, an attacking partnership comprising of Walcott, Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio could potentially do wonders for the East London club.
The move would also be ideal for Walcott as he is likely to have the opportunity to play week in week out in Slaven Bilic’s and possibly secure his place back in the England national squad.
The report suggests that West Ham are willing to pay £25 million for the player and it now remains to be seen if the move sees the light of the day, or if Arsenal hold out for a higher amount.
