Arsenal Transfer News: Lewis Holtby Would Be Ideal Replacement for Theo Walcott

While many Arsenal fans are worried about what might happen with striker Robin van Persie, the Gunners also have to deal with winger Theo Walcott, whose contract expires after the upcoming season. If Arsenal has no intention of signing him to an extension, then Schalke midfielder Lewis Holtby would be a great addition and replacement.

According to Darren Lewis of Mirror Football, Holtby's is in the same situation as Walcott in that he will be free to sign elsewhere next offseason. With that in mind, it would be smart for the Gunners to either transfer Walcott and bring in Holtby or keep Walcott for the remainder of the season while signing Holtby as a contingency plan.

Holtby hasn't quite reached the same level of production as Walcott to this point, but he is two years younger at 21 years of age and is viewed as a rising star in the sport. Holtby had nine goals and three assists for the German Bundesliga squad this past season, and had six goals and eight helpers for Mainz the year before.

He would appear to be ready for the big time, so Holtby could conceivably thrive with Arsenal, particularly because of the amount of talent he will have around him. It looks like van Persie may remain in the fold this season, plus Holtby would have other newcomers like Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroux to find in space.

Losing Walcott would hurt since he has contributed to 42 goals with Arsenal over the past two seasons, but if he isn't willing to re-sign, then there isn't much the Gunners can do. Perhaps Holtby would be a slight drop off to start, but over time Holtby may be the better player and the better overall investment since he is so versatile.

Holtby still has a lot of growing and developing to do, but it appears as though his ceiling is sky high. Walcott probably hasn't fully reached his potential either and giving up on him may be a scary thought for Arsenal fans. But, if there is a logical replacement available in the form of Holtby, it would be wise for the Gunners to strike now.

There have been too many times in the past where Arsenal has lost a talented player and failed to adequately replace him. The main one that comes to mind immediately is Cesc Fabregas, as the talented Spanish midfielder bolted for Barcelona prior to last season. The Arsenal brass didn't do enough to make up for his loss and they can't do the same when it comes to Walcott.

The Gunners are very much on the verge of contention in the EPL as they finished third behind Manchester City and Manchester United last season. Taking any type of step backward would be devastating to their progress, so picking up Holtby would be the best course of action. It has to be frustrating for Arsenal fans that star players are continually on the way out the door, but acquiring Holtby might make everyone forget about Walcott in the long run.

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