Reports: Arsenal make cash+Walcott bid for Virgil Van Dijk
What's the story?
Arsenal's woes in front of goal are eclipsed by those at the back. But they might just steal a march on Liverpool and sign Virgil Van Dijk in a stunning cash + Theo Walcott deal, according to Tribal Football.
Italian journalist Emanuele Giulianelli has revealed to the media outlet that swapping Walcott for Van Dijk could be a nudge that the Saints might welcome.
He said, “Talking about Virgil Van Dijk, the deal with Southampton for the Dutch defender is not easy, because the Saints don't have the urgency to sell, so they are free to wait for the right offer and, in the meantime, can afford the luxury of even keeping him out of the squad. "
“But Arsenal have the right key to convince Southampton: Theo Walcott has been a target of the Saints for a long time and they will ask Wenger to include the winger in the deal.”
In case you didn't know...
Theo Walcott joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2006.
Virgil Van Dijk is one of the best central defenders in the Premier League. But he has also been the subject of interest of Liverpool. The Merseyside Reds are desperately trying to land the Dutchman to put their defensive woes to rest.
Walcott has made 2 appearances for Arsenal this season and both have been off the bench.
The heart of the matter
Theo Walcott is in the doghouse at the Emirates, and even fans are not too keen on seeing the 28-year-old staying at Arsenal.
Mustafi is likely to depart and join Inter Milan. Arsene Wenger played Rob Holding and Nacho Monreal as RCB and LCB in their weekend debacle at Anfield. With the team looking uninspired and unmotivated, the arrival of a defender of Van Dijk's stature could be the deal that gets the Gunners' campaign back on track.
Van Dijk had handed in a transfer request earlier this summer and Liverpool have had their bid for the defender rejected by the Saints. Southampton have, so far, been clear about wanting Van Dijk to stay.
Wenger will be close-fisted when it comes to handing Walcott game time at Arsenal. For this reason, Walcott could be tempted to leave for his former club where he will get ample playing time.
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Author's Take
The Arsenal defense is in disarray and they need a leader in their backline. Van Dijk is a solid center back who has proven himself in the Premier League and could prove to be the exactly what the doctor ordered at the Emirates.
The fans will cut Wenger some slack if he can seal the deal for the 26-year-old. However, they will face stiff competition from Liverpool who also have their own set of problems at the back.