Southampton are interested in making an offer for Arsenal speedster Theo Walcott. According to a reliable report, the Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino has confirmed that the Hampshire club are interested in re-signing Arsenal’s Theo Walcott during the January transfer window. The Saints recently progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup following their 1-0 triumph over Fulham courtesy of a James Ward-Prowse finish in the first half which helped them end a run of nine games without a victory and eased some of the pressure building on their Argentine manager.
The Saints sold Virgil Van Dijk for £75m to Liverpool earlier this month and they are now planning to use some of that cash to strengthen their attacking options. Although, the club are still unsure about whether they would be able to pull off the deal for Walcott. However, Pellegrino addressed the rumors linking the Saints to their former star and said,
“I have been talking about him.
“He is a good player, but I don’t know with the negotiations, with the market, I imagine that this type of player would have a lot of possibility. For us it’s not easy.
“Hopefully we can bring somebody that can help us be stronger. This is our target now. We know the market is difficult, but we are working on that.”
Some of the Southampton faithful has turned on their manager following their dismal showing in the 2-1 defeat at home to Crystal Palace on Tuesday night. The Saints currently finds themselves in 17th place in the Premier League standings with just goal difference separating them from the drop zone. However, their manager insists that the FA Cup victory at Fulham has given his side a platform to build on. Although, a need to bring in reinforcements in January remains key to their chances of survival this season.
Theo Walcott has made 15 appearances for the Gunners this season and has scored 4 goals and made 5 assists in all competitions. He might be the sort of player Southampton requires right now who can make a difference in the opposition third. The 28-year-old has struggled with injuries all throughout his career but if he can overcome his fitness issues, the Saints will be hoping that their academy graduate can once again light up the St. Mary’s stadium with his goal scoring as they attempt to convince the North London club to part ways with their prized asset.
A return to Hampshire might be an attractive option for Walcott as well in his bid to reignite his Premier League career. It remains to be seen whether the Saints are successful in their pursuit of Walcott.
