Arsenal Transfer Rumours: 3 Players Who Could Replace Theo Walcott

Recent developments concerning Theo Walcott's contract situation with Arsenal means the club could look for a replacement before the transfer window closes.

It was reported by The Telegraph yesterday that Walcott had rejected Arsenal's new contract offer and attracted interest from Manchester City and Liverpool in the process.

Today, the BBC provided the latest update on the situation, stating that the English attacker is set to stay at the club for the remainder of the season after further talks.

Walcott's contract will come to an end when the season finishes.

If there is another turn of events before the window closes, Arsenal will have to act fast to sign a replacement.

Here are three players the Gunners could replace Walcott with.

Ibrahim Afellay

The Daily Mail linked Ibrahim Afellay to Arsenal—as well as Tottenham and Liverpool—after Barcelona decided they were prepared to send the Dutch star out on loan.

Afellay's time at Barcelona has been marred by injury, but the Dutchman is full of class.

He is versatile enough to play behind the forward or out wide, and would have no problem fitting in with the team's style of play.

If Arsene Wenger doesn't want to spend any more money, he could get a very good player for next to nothing in Afellay.

Jesus Navas

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal is interested in Sevilla's Jesus Navas.

Navas would not come cheaply if Arsenal do make an approach for him, but there is good news if the report is true (via the Mail):

"The 26-year-old has a £35million buy-out clause but Sevilla are willing to accept a bid of around half that amount."

Arsenal can't do any better than paying around £17 million for a player who has plenty of experience, good quality and who would be an upgrade over Theo Walcott. Navas has similar speed to the Englishman, but is more productive in the attacking third as his statistics show.

He could be just as good or better with players like Santi Cazorla and Mikel Arteta around him.

Gaston Ramirez

ESPN Soccernet reported at one point this summer that Bologna star Gaston Ramirez was set for a Premier League switch and Arsenal was considered a possible destination.

The Uruguayan is another player who would add versatility to the Arsenal attack—swapping with Santi Cazorla between the wing and attacking midfield position.

The Daily Mail reported that Southampton was also a reported destination for Ramirez, but that deal failed.

If the price of £11.8 million quoted by the Mail is correct, Arsenal should go after the player.

It would not be bad business at all for the club considering Walcott could be sold for a similar fee, if not more, and they would be getting a player with considerable potential in return.