Arsenal

Chelsea Join Liverpool In Race For Theo Walcott

Chelsea have joined Liverpool in the race for Theo Walcott and are keeping a close eye on his situation at Arsenal ahead of a potential summer swoop.

by
Fraser Crawford
April 1, 2015

The January transfer window is now closed but that won’t stop the newspapers from speculating ahead of the summer so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, Chelsea have joined the race for Theo Walcott….

Chelsea have joined Liverpool in the race for Theo Walcott and are keeping a close eye on his situation at Arsenal ahead of a potential summer swoop, according to reports today.

Walcott joined Arsenal in January 2006 and has been an important part of Arsene Wenger’s side over the past nine years, with the pacey winger closing in on his 300th appearance for the club.

However, his future at the Emirates is in serious doubt as the 26-year-old will enter the final year of his contract in June and there is no sign of an extension being agreed any time soon.

The former Southampton youngster has struggled to regain his first team place since returning from a year on the sidelines through injury and it’s thought that his lack of regular action will play a key role in negotiations over a new deal.

Walcott was forced to take to Twitter last week to dismiss rumours of a training ground bust-up with Wenger while he also claimed that talks over a new deal haven’t even started yet.

‘I don’t normally comment on false stories about myself but reports about contract demands & bust-ups with the boss are complete nonsense.

‘There have been no contract talks as yet and my current focus is not on contracts but on doing my best for Arsenal FC.’

The uncertainty over his future has led to interest from Liverpool with reports claiming that Brendan Rodgers is keen to renew his interest in Walcott, while some have even suggested a swap deal involving Raheem Sterling – who is also stalling over a new deal at Anfield.

However, it looks like Liverpool could now face stiff competition as the Times are reporting today that Chelsea are also monitoring Walcott’s situation ahead of a potential summer move.

Like Liverpool, Chelsea showed interest when Theo’s contract entered it’s final year back in 2012/13 before he eventually signed a new deal to keep him in North London, and now it appears the duo are ready to try their luck again.

It’s certainly going to be an interesting few months and you’d have to say Walcott is now at a cross-roads in his career. He’s struggling to get back to his best following injury and you get the feeling that he’s playing for his future at Arsenal during the closing stages of the season.

I’m sure Wenger would want to keep him but unless his form improves dramatically, he’s no longer going to be considered as a vital first team player and will therefore not be able to demand wages that would make him one of the clubs top earners.

If an extension isn’t agreed over the coming months then I fully expect Arsenal to sell this summer as they won’t want him to walk away for nothing in 2016 and it looks like Chelsea and Liverpool are ready to offer him a fresh start.