BIG SAM TELLS THEO: YOU’RE NO SAINT – JOIN EVERTON INSTEAD
SAM ALLARDYCE is urging Theo Walcott to snub his old club Southampton and join his Blue revolution at Everton.
Allardyce insists Everton’s future is bright and says Walcott could be a big part of that if he opts to sign for them from Arsenal for £20million.
Big Sam hopes Walcott will be swayed by the fact he knows his coaching staff and the England winger could help Everton move into their new Bramley Moore Dock stadium in 2022.
“He knows me, he knows Sammy Lee, he knows Craig Shakespeare, he knows Martyn Margetson,” said the Everton boss. “So I think he knows us.
“I think we can deliver a new stadium under his time here and the club is moving forward in the
right direction. The overall future of the club is why I’m here because it looks good.
“He’s the right age with the right experience to make an impact on Everton.
“Twenty-eight is the prime age for a player in today’s Premier League because of the experience and knowledge he has gained. He should be at the peak of his career.” Walcott, who is not part of Arsene Wenger’s plans and has not started a league game since April, has scored 108 goals in 12 years with the Gunners. “Negotiations are happening at the moment and if that can be all sorted out, which is one of the most difficult things to do today, then he would be a great addition,” said Big Sam.
“For several reasons – goalscoring threat, pace, experience and he’s good on assists from wide areas in terms of his crossing abilities.
“When a player like that becomes available you say where would he fit into your plans and he would give us balance in the squad.” Allardyce has already signed Cenk Tosun (left) from Besiktas and is set to hand the Turkey striker his debut against Tottenham today at Wembley.
But he warned Tosun has to adapt to a new country and league halfway through a season.
“It might not work,” he added. “When you look at the number of players brought in from abroad, even in summer, it is a risk.”