Walcott open to January transfer but prefers loan switch

Theo Walcott is open to leaving Arsenal in January, but would prefer a loan move away from the Emirates, according to football.london.

Walcott is yet to start a single Premier League game for Arsenal this season, appearing in just four league games for a combined total of 47 minutes.

All eight of the former Southampton man’s starts this season have come in either the Carabao Cup or the Europa League, and the 28-year old is aware that he needs to leave the Emirates to reignite his career.

However, football.london understand that Walcott would prefer a loan move if he is to leave the club he has been at since 2006 in the new year.

For other interested clubs, a loan move makes sense economically, with Walcott’s £100,00 plus weekly wage proving problematic. However, after selling Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool for £75million this week, the Saints have the necessary funds to pull the move off.

However, Walcott believes that he is still good enough to play for a top six side, and he wants a loan move to help put himself in the shop window, ahead of joining a more prestigious club in the summer.

While a permanent move isn’t out of the question, it seems that a loan switch is most likely in the January window.

Everton, West Ham and a number of other clubs are also interested in Walcott’s services.