£8million race to sign Walcott

[Bluebird]

Arsenal are set to take on Chelsea in the £8m race to sign Southampton wonderkid Theo Walcott after reports claimed he is unsettled at St Mary's.

The 16-year forward, one of the country's most sought-after young talents, is reportedly ready to quit Saints amid claims that he feels unsettled by the current managerial turmoil at the south-coast club.

Previously Walcott said he was happy to continue his football education at Southampton under the watchful eye of Harry Redknapp. But following Redknapp's decision to return to Portsmouth, the Daily Express reports that Walcott is now ready to seek pastures new himself.

A source close to the player is reported to have said: "Things are very unsettled at Southampton and it is not doing him any good. Theo needs to be training and playing alongside top-class players."

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has had the youngster watched on several occasions this season and is reported to be keen to bring him to Highbury when the transfer window reopens.

Should Saints sanction his sale, that is likely to spark Jose Mourinho and Chelsea into action and whilst they could easily financially outmuscle the Gunners if it came to a bidding war, Walcott might feel his first-team prospects would be better served by joining the Gunners.

makes Benty look a bargain

[Diddy Dubz]

Arsenal are set to take on Chelsea in the £8m race to sign Southampton wonderkid Theo Walcott after reports claimed he is unsettled at St Mary's.

The 16-year forward, one of the country's most sought-after young talents, is reportedly ready to quit Saints amid claims that he feels unsettled by the current managerial turmoil at the south-coast club.

Previously Walcott said he was happy to continue his football education at Southampton under the watchful eye of Harry Redknapp. But following Redknapp's decision to return to Portsmouth, the Daily Express reports that Walcott is now ready to seek pastures new himself.

A source close to the player is reported to have said: "Things are very unsettled at Southampton and it is not doing him any good. Theo needs to be training and playing alongside top-class players."

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has had the youngster watched on several occasions this season and is reported to be keen to bring him to Highbury when the transfer window reopens.

Should Saints sanction his sale, that is likely to spark Jose Mourinho and Chelsea into action and whilst they could easily financially outmuscle the Gunners if it came to a bidding war, Walcott might feel his first-team prospects would be better served by joining the Gunners.

makes Benty look a bargain

Walcott is only 16 and looks like he could be resresenting England in about 2 years time - he is a top quality player and looks almost like the finished article

[the-mole]

I find it extremely worrying that a 16 year old BOY could be unsettled!!

Most 16 year olds are focussing on GCSE's or further education. This guy could risk ruining his career. I bet there is some greedy agent involved looking to seize the opportunity already. If the guy has talent - he should put in a couple of years at southampton first. Learn the trade and earn himself a bigger contract when the time is right.

Rooney was already an established international when he left Everton and I believe this young lad should be looking to do something similar!!!

[toby]

£8 million!!! What a crock of sh*t!!!!


Maybe Saints will eventually get that amount IF he scores the winner in the Champions League final and the World Cup, plus becomes England's top scorer!

Sorry but not even Chelsea are going to pay that amount for a 16 year old, I'd say £3million tops with everything else dependant on appearances etc.

[Dazza]

Sorry but not even Chelsea are going to pay that amount for a 16 year old, I'd say £3million tops with everything else dependant on appearances etc.

Although how old was Rooney when he was sold for £30m+

Although he was proven at a very high level (eg: Euro Champioships not just the Championship!!!)

[budgiebasher]

Michael Synott had him in his back pocket during the youth cup

He's a good player and all, but the media seem to be overhyping him at the moment, £8m on a 16 year old is madness. While the potential is evident, a big money move so early in his career could be a bad move. He's getting 1st team experience at Southampton which can only help. He's not even proven himself in the premiership or even England U21's.

[toby]

Sorry but not even Chelsea are going to pay that amount for a 16 year old, I'd say £3million tops with everything else dependant on appearances etc.

Although how old was Rooney when he was sold for £30m+

Although he was proven at a very high level (eg: Euro Champioships not just the Championship!!!)

Man.Utd have paid nowhere near £30million for Rooney yet and probably never will.

I think it was split into at least 3 payments over as many years and a large chunk of it was dependant on appearances/goals/trophy wins etc.

I think so far Everton are lucky if they've had more than £10million for him.