Arsenal & Liverpool In Talks Over £20m Swap Deal

As the opening of the summer transfer window approaches, managers are working hard identifying targets and lining-up potential deals so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, Arsenal and Liverpool are in talks over a stunning swap deal….

Arsenal and Liverpool are holding preliminary talks over a stunning potential swap deal involving Theo Walcott and Raheem Sterling, according to reports today.

The futures of both England attackers are in serious doubt and it seems there’s now a chance of a sensational swap deal that would give the two players the fresh start many feel they need.

Walcott is set to enter the final year of his contract at Arsenal and Arsene Wenger has already hinted that he’s expecting negotiations to be difficult with the player looking for a pay rise on his current £100,000-a-week deal.

Those talks are likely to be further complicated by the fact that Walcott has fallen out-of-favour at the Emirates with the 26-year-old starting just four games since returning from a serious knee injury in January.

The uncertainty over his future has led to speculation linking the former Southampton star with a move to Liverpool with Brendan Rodgers known to be a fan of the England international’s, and this interest has led to rumours of a potential swap deal.

The Express claim that Arsenal and Liverpool have held initial talks over a potential deal that could see the Gunners pay £20m plus give them Walcott in exchange for Sterling this summer.

Sterling has two years left on his contract and has put negotiations over an extension on hold until the end of the season having already rejected a new deal worth £100,000-a-week.

The 20-year-old admitted in a recent interview with the BBC that he was ‘flattered’ by Arsenal’s interest and the Express suggest the player is now keen on a move back to the capital having grown-up in London as a youngster.

Liverpool are understandably keen to keep hold of Sterling but they could find it difficult to persuade him to pen a new deal with the club looking increasingly likely to miss out on Champions League football next season.

On the face of it, a swap deal looks like it could be the best solution for all parties. As much as Liverpool would love to keep Sterling, if he isn’t going to commit his future to the club then they could decide to take the opportunity to bring in a ready-made replacement like Walcott – plus Rodgers would have at least £20m to invest elsewhere.

It’s clear that Walcott is no longer in favour under Wenger so unless he can turn things around over the coming weeks, it’s difficult to see him signing a new long-term deal while he’s still warming the bench every week.

Therefore, a move at the end of the season is a real possibility and I’m sure Wenger would love the chance to work with a young talent like Sterling should he manage to pull this audacious swap deal off.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news | Liverpool transfer news

However, while this deal may appear sensible, it’s very rare that two high profile players, at two huge clubs like  Arsenal and Liverpool, are involved in a swap deal. They are so complicated that the deals usually fall flat, so I’d personally be surprised if this deal went through.

In the end, I can see Sterling being forced to remain at Anfield, even if he doesn’t sign a new deal, but I think we’ll see Walcott leave the Emirates. Man City? I wouldn’t be surprised at all…..