Liverpool could reap the benefits of Theo Walcott’s ongoing contract stand-off with Arsenal in a few months.
The Reds could make Walcott one of its top transfer targets for the summer 2015 window, according to the Mirror and the Telegraph. Liverpool could bid for the Arsenal and England winger if the Gunners decide to sell him, as some speculate they might.
Walcott will enter the final year of his contract this summer, and negotiations over a new deal are not going smoothly. Walcott is thought to want a raise on his current £100,000-a-week (£5.2 million/$7.7 million per year) contract, but Arsenal could balk at his demands.
Walcott suffered a serious knee injury in February 2014 and has struggled to earn regular playing time since returning from the sidelines in November. Manager Arsene Wenger has preferred Alexis Sanchez, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Danny Welbeck over Walcott in Arsenal’s biggest games recently. Wenger could be tempted to sell Walcott if he fails to agree to new terms and Arsenal receives a suitable bid.
Walcott, 26, has developed from hot prospect to feared attacker during his eight-and-a-half years at Arsenal. His career was reaching new heights before his knee injury, and he has several good years ahead of him.
Walcott would command a transfer fee of around £25 million ($37 million) and £30 million ($44.3 million) if he had a long-term contract, but his market value will decline sharply in the final year of his existing deal.
Liverpool asked Arsenal about Walcott’s availability shortly before he re-signed with Gunners in January 2013. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers reportedly retains an interest in Walcott and is monitoring his contract situation closely.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@ESPNFC
