So it looks like yet another Arsenal player is set to leave the Emirates this January as the new Everton boss Sam Allardyce has confirmed that he is in talks with the Gunners to try and secure a permanent transfer of Theo Walcott and he sounds extremely keen on the idea. “I think you are all aware of our interest in Theo,” said Allardyce. “If that is possible to get over the line I’d be delighted.
“Obviously there are negotiations that are happening at the moment and if that can all be sorted out – one of the most difficult things to do today – then that would be a great addition in my opinion to come and join us from an attacking point of view.”
“Two or three reasons really: goalscoring threat, pace, experience and he’s good on assists from wide areas in terms of his crossing ability,”
“If that is at all possible it would be very nice. It is not imminent at the moment but some negotiations are going on.
“I don’t think there’s any chance of a loan so I think it is a permanent deal we’re hoping to negotiate.
“I don’t get optimistic otherwise I get disappointed so I wait and see. I will be very excited and enthused once someone – if it’s not Theo – if someone has actually signed on the dotted line in this window or any window.
“You don’t get too optimistic because there are so many things that can happen in a short space of time, you never think a player is coming to you until they’ve signed on the dotted line.”
“Theo’s not as risky (as his other new arrival, Tosun) because he’s proven,”
“He’s scored 100 goals for Arsenal from wide positions as well as many assists. His pace is one of his key strengths which we lack in this squad. His assists are pretty good as well as his goals and we are short of goals so to add power in our goalscoring ability would be very important for me if we can negotiate that transfer – and he’s only 28.”
Arsene Wenger has since responded in his own press conference and has admitted he is open to a deal to help Walcott try and regain his place in the England team. The boss was asked if he could assure Walcott that he would play if he stayed at Arsenal, and Wenger replied: “I cannot give him assurances as it is not honest.
“We will see. We have a good relationship.
“I don’t want him to lose an opportunity to go to the World Cup.
“I cannot tell you much more.
“Sam has made that statement but Theo Walcott is here.”
He is still an Arsenal player, but surely it is now just a matter of time whether he goes to Everton or back home to Southampton. Considering how many goals Theo scored last season I am amazed that he hasn’t started one single League game for the gunners…
Admin