Arsene Wenger wants Theo Walcott to remain at Arsenal, but reports are suggesting that the Frenchman would allow him to leave for around £30million.
Walcott has yet to make the starting line-up in the Premier League for the Gunners, appearing just the five times as a substitute, and the out-of-favour striker could now look to force a move away from the Emirates this month.
Several Premier League outfits have reportedly shown an interest in the 28-year-old, including Southampton, Everton and Newcastle. But it is the Saints who appear to be leading the chase for Walcott.
However, the Arsenal man’s £140,000-a-week wages could pose a problem for the struggling Saints even though selling Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool for £75million a couple of days ago.
Walcott still has 18 months left to run on his current Arsenal deal, but Wenger is keen for him to stay put despite falling down the pecking order:
“I want him to stay.
“I heard about [a possible exit] but I want him to stay.”
It looks highly unlikely that Walcott will remain an Arsenal player beyond the current transfer window, unless of course he features more in the upcoming months. Should Walcott ask to leave this month, then it is understood that Arsenal will let him go, but only if a bid of around £30million is offered.
