Arsenal are prepared to discuss the departure of out-of-favour winger Theo Walcott amid interest from West Ham United and ex-club Southampton. The England international has been restricted to just 10 appearances in all competitions this term, seven of which have come in the Cup games.
According to The Sun, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is willing to sanction the forward’s sale in the New Year as he looks to add funds to his transfer kitty. Walcott notched 19 goals during the previous campaign, but his playing time was heavily reduced since the manager decided to opt for the 3-4-2-1 formation.
The Englishman has not started a game for the Gunners ever since, and his future looks more or less away from the Emirates with his contract due to expire in just over 18 months’ time.
Walcott has struggled to leave to his early potential with the north London side, and he currently finds himself on the periphery of the first-team with Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez, Alex Iwobi and at times Danny Welbeck preferred in a two-man attack behind the main marksman.
With both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil reluctant to extend their contracts beyond next summer, Wenger is looking to recoup as much as possible from his fringe players, and Walcott is seemingly leading the exit list with the transfer window reopening in just over 25 days’ time.
The 29-year-old is currently attracting interest from the Hammers and the Saints, and he could pretty much be guaranteed a spot on the right side of the attack, given the pair have struggled to score goals on a regular basis this campaign.
Walcott is currently nowhere in the reckoning for the England national side, but taking a chance elsewhere could enhance his minute chances of making a comeback, although it looks far off from happening with Gareth Southgate preferring to emphasis on upcoming talents of late.
