Late last night the transfer rumour linking Theo Walcott to his former club Southampton gathered pace once again.
The 28-year-old has fallen out of favour in north London and is now free to leave Arsenal, providing a suitable offer comes in.
Reports have suggested that Southampton will rival West Ham for the winger’s signature in January, in a bid to add some well-needed pace and experience to both respective rosters.
Walcott is known for straight-line speed and direct runs – something Southampton would find useful after a stuttering start to the season. The Saints failed to recruit any attacking players over summer and there is gross lack of competition in and around the strikers.
The report doesn’t state how much Arsene Wenger would want for the winger he signed 11 years ago, but a fee within the region of £15-20 million seems accurate in today’s market.
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The only immediate stumbling block for a reunion would be the 28-year-old’s wages. Walcott has been involved in more than one highly-publicized contract dispute since joining the Gunners, and it’s now common knowledge that the English forward is earning in and around the region of £140,000 a week.
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Fraser Forster and Virgil van Dijk might be the club’s highest earners but they’re still a long way off Walcott’s current wages with Arsenal, and Southampton fans would not want to disrupt their club’s fairly strict policy with someone earning 30% more than any other player.
What also remains unclear is where Walcott’s preferences lie – West Ham would surely be able to offer more money whilst also allowing the 28-year-old to remain in London.
However, a move to Southampton would see the Walcott return a cult hero, he’d have the potential to be the the squad’s star player whilst also potentially having the chance to play up front – something he’s wanted for some time.
Assuming he’s brought in for the right place, the majority of the Saints’ supporters would likely be happy to see the man return to the south coast.