Theo Walcott’s future at the Emirates Stadium is looking very blunt at this moment. The former Southampton winger hasn’t had many chances this season and will be hoping for more opportunities in coming days, keeping in mind the World Cup next year.
According to reports, Walcott is being eyed by Southampton, as the South Coast club is planning a squad revamp in January. The right winger arrived at the Emirates as a 16-year-old teenager on the back of a very successful youth career and was tipped to be the next big thing in English football.
But after so many years, he hasn’t managed to establish his credibility at the North London club and time has probably come to step out of Arsene Wenger’s shadow. Barring a couple of seasons, he never looked that convincing in the Gunners jersey and perhaps he needs to start exploring his career option.
Despite his ups and downs with the North London club, he has managed to accumulate an impressive 107 goals, which speaks volumes about his talent. Although choosing Southampton would be a step down for him at this crucial juncture of his career, he just needs to carry on and this could be the perfect opportunity for the Saints to sign him up.
Walcott has a contract till 2019 but he is likely to command a much lesser fee as Wenger seems to be exhausted with his inconsistency. Saints’ performance in front of the goal has been pretty devastating and Mauricio Pellegrino would love to have an experienced player, especially one, who used to be one of their own.
Walcott needs to be a bit rough and rusty in a bid to thrust his way into the Three Lions squad. Gareth Southgate continued to ignore the player as he missed out on a place in the side, that will face Germany and Brazil. So he needs to be at his best. to have a shot at convincing Southgate.
It has been a long time at Arsenal for the winger and a move to the South Coast would breathe life into his stuttering career. The player is very familiar with the atmosphere surrounding the St Mary’s and should be able to make a turnaround.
Southampton are yet to place an offer for the player and it remains to be seen whether Pellegrino foes for him in the winter transfer window or waits until the season end. But is he the right man for the Saints?