Liverpool Transfer Rumors: Theo Walcott Is Big Splash Brendan Rodgers Needs

New Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers faces an uphill battle as he attempts to get the Reds back toward the top of the Premier League. To do that, he must make bold moves, like a deal for Theo Walcott, to craft the team around his vision for the future.

The Reds are one of at least three teams interested in the Arsenal midfielder, according to Charlie Wyett of The Sun. He also reports that Rodgers is willing to move striker Andy Carroll to open up the necessary space and funds to bring in Walcott.

It took the 23-year-old striker several seasons with the Gunners before he finally started to turn his potential into actual ability. But the last two years have shown exactly how dangerous he can be when put in the right situation.

Walcott has scored 24 goals and added 22 assists across all competitions over the past two seasons for Arsenal. He has also watched his role on the England national team increase over that period, helping boost his stock even more.

What really makes him intriguing for Rodgers is the fact that he's only 23. That means that his best football should still be in front of him, and he can become a building block for the future at Anfield instead of simply being a short-term fix like many transfers.

If Carroll were the only sacrifice Rodgers needed to make a deal possible, it would be well worth it.

The former Newcastle United star has been linked with a possible move back to his old club after failing to make an impact with the Reds. He never seemed to find a comfort zone under the intense pressure at Anfield, which means a move is probably best for everybody involved.

There have already been signs of a youth movement under Rodgers with the acquisition of Fabio Borini, a 21-year-old forward. All of the players that have left the team so far have been at least 31.

Walcott would be another step in that direction. It's going to take some time, at least a full season and probably two, before Rodgers has the roster built how he wants it. But patience will pay off for Reds fans, because it's clear he has a plan in mind.

Rodgers was able to get good results at Swansea City despite not having as much talent as most of the top-tier squads. If given enough time to turn things around, the results at a storied club like Liverpool should be even better.

Fans are still waiting for the first marquee move to mark the beginning of the Rodgers era. Walcott would definitely fall into that category.

While getting him away from Arsenal won't be easy, Rodgers should do whatever he can to get a deal done.