The second coming of Theo Walcott?
Everton are in talks with Arsenal over a potential Theo Walcott transfer. Sam Allardyce's rejuvenated Toffees look to continue bolstering their attacking options in the January transfer window.
Walcott has been limited to just 15 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners this season and his 12-year tenure at the Emirates appears to be nearing an un-romantic end. Since moving to Arsenal as a 17-year-old, the winger has found the net on 65 occasions from 269 appearances in the Premier League.
Why would a move to the Toffees benefit Walcott?
For starters, the move would present Walcott a much higher chance of getting regular game time. Everton are still rebuilding after their torrid start to the campaign under former manager Ronald Koeman and desperately trying to find a balance that was clearly lacking under the Dutchman.
Walcott would provide Allardyce further attacking options with some much-needed width and pace, something which his side currently lacks. A move to the Merseyside Blue outfit would see Walcott link up with two quality passers of the ball in Gylfi Sigurdsson and former England teammate Wayne Rooney.
During his time at Arsenal, Walcott has mostly played a part-timer's role, something which makes it difficult to maintain form for any sportsperson. If Walcott is able to lock down a consistent starting spot at Everton, we could finally see the best of the 28-year-old.
Under Arsene Wenger, Walcott has donned the No. 9 role plenty of times. We could also see him form an attacking duo with Everton's big-name signing Cenk Tosun who was brought in from Turkish side Besiktas for £27 million earlier this month.
Could the move re-ignite his England career?
Anyone who follows English football would be very surprised to see Theo Walcott pull on an England shirt again. However, if this move is successful, it is not outrageous to suggest he could claim a spot in Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad for Russia.
When you look at the list of players that have been included in recent England squads then it becomes not so hard to see him coming out from the cold.
It would require Walcott to hit the ground running in Merseyside with some eye-catching performances for Southgate to take note, but this potential move presents what could be his last opportunity to represent England at a major tournament.
Will the move actually happen?
All logical signs point towards a yes. Allardyce has publicly declared his interest and spoken about the ongoing negotiations. In addition to that, Arsene Wenger has consistently chosen the likes of Alex Iwobi and Danny Welbeck over Theo Walcott for his starting 11.
Arsenal seem to be clearing the books as well and have already sold Francis Coquelin to Valencia. The Gunners also await the inevitable departure of talisman Alexis Sanchez.
The only snag from an Everton's point of view would be the rumoured interest of Southampton. Walcott may be interested in reuniting with the Saints where he spent his youth career.