There has been plenty of speculation regarding Theo Walcott’s future this week and according to several newspapers, it is looking increasingly likely that the England international is set to leave the Emirates Stadium. Reports are suggesting that Walcott has rejected Arsenal’s offer of a new contract, prompting the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City to register an interest.
Rumours have been circulating over recent weeks that there have been issues with Walcott’s new contract, with the player having just 12-months remaining on his current deal. The situation has come to light even more after the Robin Van Persie saga and again, Arsene Wenger is desperate not to let one of his main players leave for nothing.
The newspapers are stating that Walcott has now rejected two contract offers, with the latest being a £75,000 per week deal. It is thought that the player is holding out for significantly more, with some claiming that he is looking for a deal in the region of £100,000 per week.
However, despite the rejection, Walcott at least seems to want to stay at the club. He is thought to held talks with Arsene Wenger about his future and unlike Robin Van Persie, he is more than happy to play his football at the Emirates Stadium over the next few years. It is merely an issue of striking the right financial balance, although that could prove difficult with his current deal having so little time left on it.
Should Wenger decide to cash in on the winger, it is being suggested that Arsenal will be looking for a figure of approximately £15m. It was only in 2006 that the 23-year-old became one of the most high-profile youngsters in football after completing a big-money transfer from Southampton. Since that move, it would be fair to say that he has experienced mixed successes although after managing to become a full England international, he is still regarded as one of the most feared players in his position in the top flight.
