Homecoming On The Cards For This Arsenal Star: Much Needed For Southampton?

Transfer Story : 

Recent reports suggest that Arsenal are unlikely to offer Theo Walcott a contract extension with his current deal expiring in 18 months. It is reported that his boyhood club, Southampton are willing to pay around 12-15 million pounds, as Mauricio Pellegrino is not too impressed with Austin, Long or Gabbiadini just yet. Theo Walcott came to the Emirates with a lot of promise as a teenager, but his career has simply failed to take off. Despite the injuries to Sanchez, Ozil, Welbeck and the departure of Oxlade Chamberlain, who is a natural winger, Walcott hasn’t started a game so far in the league.

More On The Player : 

Walcott burst onto the scene very early, as he joined the Southampton setup as a youngster. He then went on to become the youngest player to play in the league for their reserve team. He moved to Arsenal for 10 million pounds, where he assisted in his first outing. Back then, he became the youngest player to feature for Arsenal in a European competition.

He has scored 107 goals for Arsenal in 390 appearances. He has represented England too, in a number of tournaments. He broke into the side in spite of big names being there, in the 2006 World Cup. He was the youngest ever English player to break into the senior team. In 47 appearances, he has scored 8 goals for his country.

Stats Courtesy: Transfermarkt

What he will offer:

Pep Guardiola once quoted, “You need a pistol to stop him.” This simply means he has tremendous pace going forward. He has good technique, balance and composure. He can beat players with ease and make runs forward in order to tear the offside trap apart. Southampton don’t really have such a player who can run behind the defenders and capitalize.

He can play in the centre-forward position too and has been known to prefer the role in the recent past. He is known for his finishing. Due to his pace, he can hurt teams with his counter-attacking abilities.

Worth the money?

Surely. He is still 28, which is considered the peak age for attacking players. For a Southampton team that has scored just five goals in 7 games this term, they need pace up front as they don’t get on with the game and play with a slow tempo. For a class player with this potential, 12 million pounds is a good bid. With things seemingly looking set, we can expect the move to go through in the January transfer window, especially if Southampton carry on in this manner in front of goal.