According to reports in The Sun, Southampton and West Ham United are both interested in signing out of favour Arsenal forward Theo Walcott, but the Daily Mail says that their Premier League rivals Everton are also keen.
What’s the word, then?
Well, The Sun says that the Gunners are willing to sell the 28-year-old in January – 12 years after he signed for the north London outfit from Southampton – for a suitable price, and both Saints and the Irons are keen to boost their squads by bringing in the England international.
However, the Daily Mail says that new Everton boss Sam Allardyce has also made enquiries as he looks to boost his frontline with players with proven Premier League experience and quality.
How has Walcott done this season?
Despite scoring 19 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal last term, the 28-year-old has found first-team minutes hard to come by this time around.
The forward is yet to start a Premier League match and has played just 46 minutes in the top flight in total, with the majority of his game time coming in the group stages of the Europa League and the EFL Cup.
In 10 outings in total this season, the attacker has scored three goals and provided a further two assists.
Would he be a good signing for the trio?
He certainly would be.
All three sides need to boost their frontlines after scoring just 47 goals in 45 Premier League matches between them this season, and they are all also lacking pace in the final third.
Walcott would certainly bring that – as well as a goal threat – and his versatility of being able to play out wide or as a striker could prove to be priceless.
Who will win the race?
Well, if Walcott wants to move back his first club then Southampton would hold the advantage, but if he is looking to stay in London then West Ham would be his first choice.
It could all come down to his wage demands and where he is most likely to start on a weekly basis though with the 2018 World Cup edging closer and the 28-year-old needing to win his place back in the squad before then.
Whatever happens in the next few weeks, it certainly doesn’t appear as though the winger will be short of options in the New Year.
