English forward Theo Walcott has reportedly told his club, Arsenal, that he wishes to leave the club at the end of the season. The 27-year-old has started only once since the end of January and is looking to move clubs in order to save his career, report The Sun.
The former Southampton man was a pivotal player for the Gunners last season but has seen chances diminish this season thanks to the emergence of the likes of Alex Iwobi and Joel Campbell. A regular starter and scorer under Arsene Wenger last season, Walcott is reportedly baffled at being stuck on the bench for the majority of the season.
Walcott has had plenty of standoffs with the North London club over the choice of having to play as a striker – something Arsene Wenger doesn't believe in. This and the lack of playing time is reportedly behind his decision to call time on his Arsenal and move to a club who could give him regular playing time.
Theo Walcott – through unconfirmed reports – is said to be a Liverpool fan and the thought of playing under a young dynamic manager such as Jurgen Klopp has piqued his interest. The Reds have been a revelation this season under the German ever since he took over from Brendan Rodgers progressing incredibly well in the UEFA Europa League.
While Walcott's choice may come as a blow to the Gunners, they seem to have a backup of right-wingers with the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Joel Campbell, Alex Iwobi, Chris Willock and more waiting for the chance to shine under the spotlight on a consistent basis.
The 27-year-old joined Arsenal in the winter of 2006 and was a surprise choice to travel with England to the World Cup that season. Even though he didn't feature in the competition, the choice to take a 16-year-old to the world's biggest football tournament showed the world of his abilities. Known for his pace and directness, Walcott will a huge miss for the Gunners if he were to leave.
