Chelsea are ready to make a bid for Arsenal’s Theo Walcott if the Gunners winger fails to agree a new contract.
Walcott has just one-year left on his £65,000-a-week deal and is reportedly not willing to sign an improved offer made by the north London club – thought to be £80,000-a-week.
Robin van Persie delivered the news that no Arsenal fan wanted to hear last week when he announced that he would not be extending his contract with the Gunners.
That leaves Arsene Wenger with two key players who are entering the final year of their deals, and the interest in them both is increasing by the day as rival clubs look to snap them up
at knock-down prices.
It is thought that £15million bids for each would be enough to snatch them from the Emirates, providing that Walcott does not extend his stay at the club.
Unlike his team mate, Van Persie, Walcott has refused to speak of his contract situation so far, which has only raised further questions over his future.
London rivals Chelsea have been linked with the England winger in the past and are thought to have renewed their interest in him since Roberto di Matteo was appointed manager on a permanent basis.
The Champions League winners lack options on the right-wing and could lose Daniel Sturridge – who played there for much of last season – to one of several interested parties this summer.
However, it is unlikely that the Blues will bid for Walcott if they are successful in capturing Wigan Athletic forward Victor Moses, who is rated at £10m by his club.
Walcott has just one-year left on his £65,000-a-week deal and is reportedly not willing to sign an improved offer made by the north London club – thought to be £80,000-a-week.
Robin van Persie delivered the news that no Arsenal fan wanted to hear last week when he announced that he would not be extending his contract with the Gunners.
That leaves Arsene Wenger with two key players who are entering the final year of their deals, and the interest in them both is increasing by the day as rival clubs look to snap them up
at knock-down prices.
It is thought that £15million bids for each would be enough to snatch them from the Emirates, providing that Walcott does not extend his stay at the club.
Unlike his team mate, Van Persie, Walcott has refused to speak of his contract situation so far, which has only raised further questions over his future.
London rivals Chelsea have been linked with the England winger in the past and are thought to have renewed their interest in him since Roberto di Matteo was appointed manager on a permanent basis.
The Champions League winners lack options on the right-wing and could lose Daniel Sturridge – who played there for much of last season – to one of several interested parties this summer.
However, it is unlikely that the Blues will bid for Walcott if they are successful in capturing Wigan Athletic forward Victor Moses, who is rated at £10m by his club.
