Arsenal

Walcott Set For January Move After Latest Contract Renewal Snub?

Chelsea and Liverpool are on alert after Theo Walcott’s Arsenal future was thrown into doubt after being snubbed in the clubs latest contract renewal drive

by
Gooner Mac
October 25, 2012

Despite the transfer window being closed, there is always transfer gossip doing the rounds in the papers and we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest news during the coming months. Today, Theo Walcott edges closer to the Arsenal exit door.

Chelsea and Liverpool are on alert after Theo Walcott’s Arsenal future was thrown into further doubt after being snubbed in the clubs latest contract renewal drive, according to the Daily Mail.

The Gunners have drawn up a list of first team players they want to talk to over new deals and Theo Walcott’s name is not on the list.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Kieran Gibbs and Emmanuel Frimpong are all due to hold talks with the clubs hierarchy over new deals in the coming weeks, but fresh talks with Walcott and his representatives have not been scheduled casting further doubt over his future at the Emirates.

Walcott is understood to have rejected a five-year deal worth £75,000-a-week in the summer with the 23-year-old holding out for nearer £100,000-a-week, while he also wants assurances he’ll be given more playing time up front.

Boss Arsene Wenger was prepared to offload the England winger in the summer but decided to hang on to the former Southampton man following positive talks in August.

Walcott told Wenger he saw his future at Arsenal and committed his short-term future to the club with both parties left feeling a compromise could be reached, despite the player turning down the clubs latest contract offer.

Wenger remains hopeful Walcott will still agree a new deal but has backed the clubs decision not to improve upon their £75,000-a-week offer and is now prepared to sell the player in January if he doesn’t back down from his demands.

Premier League duo Chelsea and Liverpool are ready to pounce should the situation continue but may face stiff competition from Italian champions Juventus, who will be able to sign Walcott on a pre-contract agreement in January.

Should Arsenal pay Walcott £100,000-a-week? Would Chelsea and Liverpool fans like him at their club? Get involved in the comments section below.

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