Manchester United are preparing to join Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool in the race to sign Theo Walcott, as continuing contract talks continue to stall for the 23-year-old Arsenal player.
With the stagnation in talks ongoing with the England international since his rejection of Arsenal’s £75,000-a-week, five-year deal back in August, Chelsea have inquired about him on several occasions, while Liverpool and Manchester City have maintained their interest from this past summer.
With Walcott’s former teammate, Robin van Persie, making the big move to Old Trafford last summer, United could have an in with the speedy winger, as the two players have remained good friends since van Persie’s departure.
Walcott’s contract position puts Arsenal in a particular dilemma, as it could mean that he could be signed at a reduced price when the January transfer window opens or for next to nothing in the summer next year. With the stumbling block of not being given any opportunities to play center forward frustrating the speedster, Manchester United could give him a run at that position, possibly alternating with Danny Welbeck, van Persie, and Rooney for the position.
His stats show that he’s improved as a finisher, even when playing in his current winging midfield slot, scoring 10 goals in 17 appearances this season.
With Nani being linked to a move in the opposite direction, a player plus fee deal could be in the works if either side is willing to move into a negotiating stance, but it’s looking slim at best, especially considering the bull-headedness of the two managers involved.
If Walcott goes, it could open up a world of opportunities for the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Serge Gnabry, Thomas Eisfeld and others who are currently on the merry-go-round of rotation.
It will be interesting if Walcott could fit into the Red Devils’ system, with the likes of Valencia, Ashley Young, van Perise, Rooney and other talents all jockeying for starting positions at Old Trafford.
