Walcott would boost Everton’s attacking threat, insists Big Sam
EVERTON are in talks with Arsenal to sign forward Theo Walcott.
The 28-year-old’s Arsenal contract does not run out until 2019 but he has made just 15 appearances this season and has yet to make a Premier League start.
“I think you are all aware of our interest in Theo,” said Everton boss Sam Allardyce, whose side go to Spurs tonight.
“If that is possible to get over the line I’d be delighted.
“Obviously there are negotiations that are happening at the moment and if that can all be sorted out then that would be a great addition in my opinion to come and join us from an attacking point of view.
“Two or three reasons really — goalscoring threat, pace, experience and he’s good on assists from wide areas in terms of his crossing ability.
“If that is at all possible it would be very nice.
“It is not imminent at the moment but some negotiations are going on.
“I don’t think there’s any chance of a loan so I think it is a permanent deal we’re hoping to negotiate.”
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger — whose team are at Bournemouth tomorrow — recently admitted he would be willing to listen to offers for the player because he did not want to stand in the way of Walcott’s World Cup chances with England.
“I cannot give him assurances as it is not honest,” he said when asked if he was going to give Walcott more chances in the second half of the season.
“We will see. We have a good relationship.
“I don’t want him to lose an opportunity to go to the World Cup.
“He went in 2006 and we are now in 2018 and he hasn’t been since for different reasons.”