Why Theo Walcott Would Be Perfect Summer Transfer Fit for Chelsea

Chelsea may have led the Premier League since the season’s opening weekend, but don’t let that fool you—it isn’t a sign that Jose Mourinho’s side are close to being the finished article.

There have been moments of breathtaking brilliance at times this term, yet it’s the matches when they have failed to live up to expectations that we have learned most about them.

It’s those defeats to Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur that have shown there’s work to do in how they control games, not to mention the points Mourinho’s side have dropped from winning positions.

The away-goals loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League also served as a reminder Chelsea aren’t quite ready to regain their status as European champions.

For all the positives, they lack sufficient quality in depth to rotate when needed. They need an improvement on players capable of impacting games from the bench, a factor that has played a part in some recent uninspiring performances.

Rather than wholesale changes, it’s more about fine-tuning in key areas that will see Chelsea take that next step in their evolution under Mourinho.

It’s why rumours linking Theo Walcott with a move across London, such as this piece from Matt Hughes of The Times, are encouraging.

Walcott’s ailments in recent years have changed the perception of him as a player. From the fresh-faced 17-year-old who joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2006, there’s a strong enough argument to suggest he hasn’t developed his game enough.

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Comparing him to his former St. Mary’s team-mate Gareth Bale for instance, their careers have gone in opposite directions.

When fully fit and playing regularly, however, Walcott can be a deadly asset. We’ve seen it enough throughout his time at Arsenal to know he has something to add to this Chelsea team.

He’s craved a more central role under Arsene Wenger in a bid to emulate Thierry Henry, but his strength is on the flanks. He isn’t clinical enough to be a striker in that sense, but Mourinho wouldn’t require him to be.

Walcott’s pace is his strongest asset, and he shouldn’t be embarrassed to use it.

Playing on the counter, players of Walcott’s qualities can be high value.

The trick to Chelsea’s success earlier this season was hitting teams at pace when they turned over possession. With Cesc Fabregas dictating play from deep, there were moments the opposition didn’t know what hit them.

And by the time they did, it was too late, they were already trailing.

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Fabregas fed Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, and until Christmas, it worked. But when key players lost their form—and impact substitutes like Andre Schurrle were sold—they became predictable.

Teams have worked them out.

Against PSG, Hazard was the outlet, and beyond him, Chelsea had few players to cause the Ligue 1 champions significant problems.

There hasn’t been enough variety at Chelsea. There’s an overload of No. 10s, or players who at least want to play that role.

Hazard has been so effective on the left as he does the very thing Walcott would—he runs at players, commits defenders and is positive. That’s where the comparison ends.

Walcott has much to do if he is to draw further likeness with the Belgian­—namely staying fit enough to demonstrate he is capable of making good on the potential we have seen at different times in his career.

Mourinho's Chelsea team all but picks itself now. The manager has established enough strength in his first XI to know he can challenge the best teams.

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It’s what's beyond that which is of paramount importance this summer.

For a manager so often applauded for the way he impacts games with his substitutions, the reserves aren’t there right now to adapt and amend tactics throughout the 90 minutes of a game.

Chelsea can only play one way. Against the likes of Hull City, that's fine; with less than 10 games remaining in the campaign, that will win them the championship.

But what happens when PSG and others turn up at Stamford Bridge? It's about fine margins, effecting games at the right moments. Chelsea aren't fully equipped to do that, as we have seen.

Walcott would give that option, and on the plus side, he’s equally able to start enough games throughout a season that he would be a strong addition.

Come July, the 26-year-old will have 12 months remaining on his Arsenal contract. Should the Gunners not extend that, or at least try, the power will be with the buying club.

Walcott's market value will be significantly low, and with Petr Cech as a potential bargaining chip, Mourinho’s transfer dealings may become ever more shrewd. 

Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes