Arsenal

Chelsea Ready To Open Bidding For Walcott

Chelsea have joined the growing list of clubs interested in signing Arsenal’s Theo Walcott and may make an offer when the transfer window re-opens in January.

by
Football Talk
December 14, 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, Chelsea are linked with a bid for Theo Walcott.

Chelsea have joined the growing list of clubs interested in signing Arsenal’s Theo Walcott and are expected to make an offer when the transfer window re-opens in January, according to the Guardian.

Walcott is out of contract at the end of the season and he has so far been unable to agree terms over a new deal at the Emirates, throwing his future in north London into doubt.

The report claims Arsenal are adamant they wont sell in January but European champions Chelsea are expected to test their resolve by making an offer for the 23-year-old with Liverpool also likely to enter the bidding, while the two Manchester clubs are also said to be monitoring the situation.

However, the Guardian believe that Walcott will delay making a decision on his future until the end of the season when he could be a free agent and will be able to demand a higher salary, while it’s also suggested that the winger will take Champions League football into consideration in his final decision.

Arsenal have qualified for Europe’s elite competition for the last 15 seasons and while they may have endured their worst Premier League start in Wenger’s reign, they’re currently only two points off fourth place. Man Utd, Man City and Chelsea are on course to qualify automatically but Liverpool haven’t participated in the Champions League in recent years and should they miss out again this season, it’s likely to go against them.

If the Guardian‘s report is accurate and Chelsea are ready to bid for Theo next month it’s going to be interesting to see how this ‘saga’ plays out. Walcott’s girlfriend attends university in London and the couple of understood to be settled in the area so if he does leave the Gunners, the Blues will be able to offer him the chance to remain in the capital. Roman Abramovich’s side are also likely to be able to meet his wage demands and the need for Champions League football, so does that make them the ‘favourites’ for his signature?

I’m sure there will be plenty more twists and turns before Walcott’s future is finally resolved but it looks like it could be an interesting transfer window, with Walcott set to be a main feature.

Where do you think Walcott will be playing next season? Get involved in the comments section below.