Arsenal are reportedly prepared to offload Theo Walcott, who could be set for a sensational return to former club Southampton in the January transfer window.
According to an exclusive from the Express, Arsenal are planning a January clearout of their squad, with Arsene Wenger determined to overhaul his first-team squad. One of the players that the Gunners are prepared to offload in January is Theo Walcott, who is being lined up by his former club Southampton.
Theo Walcott arrived at Arsenal amidst much hype surrounding his talent and potential. The Englishman, though, had been plagued by inconsistency and injuries at crucial junctures of his career, which has seen his progress at Arsenal stalled.
The speedster seems to have finally found his footing, however, with some prolific performances under his belt in recent times. However, it is his low level of overall performance which has been pointed by pundits and fans alike. And despite his recent prolific nature, the Gunners are not ready to overlook the overall level of display.
Theo Walcott has been told that unless he steps up his performances, Arsenal will listen to offers for him in January. pic.twitter.com/cMKXmkOfFC
— Arsenal TV ?⚪ (@Arsenal__Live) October 5, 2017
Southampton themselves have been plagued by the inability to find the back of the net. While it is still early times into the Mauricio Pellegrino regime, there is a certain absence of cutting edge in front of goal, which is worrying. The Saints do have multiple options in attack and on either wing.
But, they seem to be lacking form, which is where Walcott could be useful. The player would also love to return to his old hunting ground – the place where he was first recognised as a true talent before making the move to Arsenal. Also, Pellegrino could use with some more injection of pace.
Nathan Redmond and Theo Walcott on either flank is a dangerous proposition for any defence and this could be just what the Saints need to reinvigorate their attack – a unit that has scored just 5 goals in 7 Premier League fixtures so far.
According to the report, Southampton would look to get the deal done between £12-15 million – a range Arsenal could also be willing to consider, with Theo Walcott set to enter the last 18 months of his contract and being currently on a £110,000 per-week deal.
Arsenal will sell forward Theo Walcott in January. Walcott is set to rejoin former club Southampton. (Source: Daily Express) pic.twitter.com/Zj6PWvDHwL
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) October 6, 2017
The sale could clear up some wages for arrivals and the payout also seems considerate given the term left on Walcott’s deal. There could be other suitors for Walcott, with reports of interest from Italy. But, ideally, the Englishman would prefer staying in the Premier League and a return to Southampton sounds like an enticing prospect.
This looks like a deal that would benefit all the parties involved and we could very well see it happening, be it in the January transfer window or the summer of 2018.
