Football: Arsenal ready to sell Walcott

Arsenal are understood to be willing to sell Theo Walcott before the close of the transfer window after talks over a new five-year contract broke down, according to Sky Sports. Walcott  is in the final season of his current deal at Emirates Stadium and discussions regarding an extension have been ongoing for some time. Arsene Wenger  confirmed before the Gunners’ opening game of the season against Sunderland  earlier this month that the club is still trying to extend Walcott’s deal. However, the Arsenal  manager also warned that ‘when a player doesn’t want to stay, you either force him or you let him go’. The future of Walcott is now set to be decided by Friday’s deadline, with reports suggesting Arsenal will sell the England international for a fee between £12 million and £15 million if no new contract is agreed.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 30^th, 2012.