Back To Where He Belongs? – Why Southampton Should Consider Bringing Back Theo Walcott From Arsenal
English outfit Southampton have been one of the most exciting clubs in the league apart from the top-6 clubs, as they have now, for the second season running, finished in the top half of the table. They did not show too much of progress under Claude Puel last season and the responsibility has now been dumped on Mauricio Pellegrino this season.
The new manager is yet to make a stellar signing for the club but has lost Jay Rodriguez from his attack this summer. He is a bit short in the attack this season and is scouting some established stars for a move to the club. There are a number of players who can make the club stronger than what they are at the moment. But one player they should definitely look to sign is Arsenal winger Theo Walcott.
Having lost his place in the first team at the club last season, Walcott is not expected to be in the first team regularly this season either and has already been linked with a £25m exit. Arsene Wenger remains coy on Theo’s future and wants him at the club next season. But Southampton should definitely look at him as an option this summer.
A product of the Southampton academy, the 28-year old has established himself as one of the best wingers in England, making 264 league appearances for Arsenal, scoring 65 league goals since his move to the Emirates back in 2006.
Known for his pace and breath taking dribbling abilities, Walcott is a winger who loves to take on his man in the final third. A smart player who is usually in the right place at the right time, Walcott is an exciting player who can also play as a lone striker when the situation demands. He is an outstanding finisher and gets his shots bang on target.
At 28, he is supposed to be at the prime of his career as a footballer but after just 47 appearances for the national side and just 28 league appearances for his club last season, most of which were from the bench, Walcott is slowly losing his stature at the highest stage.
He has his injury problems but he is a genuine match winner, and can walk into this Southampton squad. Nathan Redmond showed last season that a bit of pace on the wing could go a long way and if they can use Walcott on the other wing, the Saints might just be making a few defences in the league twitch.
They are yet to be linked with a move for the 28-year old but having already played at the St Mary’s, Walcott should have no problem in trying to revive his career in this port city.