Arsenal have started devising a contingency plan in case they fail to agree a new deal with Theo Walcott, and Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus is top of their list of candidates.
England international Walcott’s future is unclear as he enters the final 12 months of his contract and the Gunners have begun the process of identifying potential replacements if the contract issue cannot be resolved.
Given Walcott’s speed, Arsenal scouts are looking for players who can count pace as a key attribute.
Reus certainly fits the mould and is emerging as a prime candidate to fill Walcott’s boots if he leaves. The Gunners failed in an attempt to sign the Germany international last summer, but retain a strong interest.
Walcott is growing increasingly frustrated at his lack of game time since returning from a long-term knee injury this season, while the arrival of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck has increased competition for a starting place in Arsene Wenger’s front line.
With Walcott able to leave for nothing in 2016, the Gunners will want the issue resolved in the summer or could cash in on the former Southampton winger, for a fee of around £15million.
Walcott will not be short of offers should he leave the Emirates, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United all monitoring his situation. – Daily Mail