EPL runner-up Chelsea may be looking to get 22-year old winger and forward Theo Walcott for the next season of English Premier League. It has been reported that Chelsea will pay up to £20 million to get Walcott over from Arsenal where he had joined in 2006.
Earlier, it was said that Chelsea were also looking to buy Samir Nasri from Arsenal but had competition in the form of Manchester United and Manchester City, two teams who were both looking for him as well.
However, Chelsea may not win that battle given the preference that has been shown by Nasri points to a shift to Manchester City. Earlier City had also got left-back Gael Clichy into the squad from Arsenal. The other player that Chelsea is interested in is 25-year old midfielder from Hotspur, Luka Modric. Chelsea may be offering Modric £45 million.
Walcott has already been described as a dangerous opponent by many a players and as his shock inclusion in the English World Cup squad bears testimony to that. Pace has never been his problem and if he can sharpen his technique, things could get interesting for Chelsea, especially given the presence of the new manager, Andre Villas-Boas.
It is not surprising that the new manager is looking to build his team with some of the newer players around. Villas-Boas will be looking to get in the youngsters and Walcott could be one of those first choices.
The other interesting bit is that Arsenal is letting go of many of its big-name players. In fact, the players have themselves been expressing their desire to leave after the side has not won a single trophy since 2005, a rather poor record for a club so big.
Already Cesc Fabregas has expressed the desire to join Barcelona, Samir Nasri is up for sale as well and Gael Clichy has already signed up with Manchester City. Walcott could be a fourth high-profile exit if he does move on.