Liverpool Transfer News: Brendan Rodgers 'Confident' over Theo Walcott Rumours

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is "confident" he can snag Theo Walcott from Arsenal, according to John Cross of the Mirror.

Cross reports Walcott will begin contract negotiations with the Gunners "in the next fortnight." He claimed the player is more concerned about playing time than cash. This could be key for Rodgers, who recently saw flying forward Raheem Sterling turn down £100,000 per week, as reported by Chris Bascombe of The Telegraph.

Walcott's career has ground to a standstill after numerous injuries. He is also a wildly inconsistent player when fit. Arsene Wenger's decision to bolster his attacking options over the last two years—with Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck coming in—has pushed Walcott further away from the starting position than he would have once expected.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Rumours of a swap deal have followed Walcott and Sterling, as reported by David Woods of the Daily Star. Woods believes Arsenal would need to pay "at least £20 million" as well to confirm such a deal.

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson believes this would be a fantastic deal for the Merseyside club, as told to Sky Sports (h/t Marc Williams of the Daily Star), "If Theo Walcott goes to Liverpool, Raheem Sterling goes to Arsenal and Liverpool get some money, I think Liverpool have had the best deal ever."

B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and James McNicholas recently discussed how Arsenal could confirm Sterling's arrival:

Rodgers is the type of manager who could get the best out of Walcott, perhaps by allowing him to play in his favoured striking position.

This season we've seen Rodgers utilise Sterling as a lone striker, aided by two creative midfielders and wide bombers up the flank. His speed and ability to hold up the ball has made up for any lack of size.

Walcott isn't so diligent on the ball and needs room to isolate his marker. He is a skilled dribbler but tends to over-think his possibilities when heading into the box from a wide area. Arsenal fans have seen the best of the England international when he works instinctively, playing simple football which allows his frightening pace to excel.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

Wenger is likely to continue strengthening Arsenal in the summer, so the prospect of Walcott holding down a first-team place appears unlikely.

Rodgers is always willing to provide players with the opportunity to impress at Anfield, making the club extremely attractive during this time of transition. Whether Sterling leaves or not, Walcott could still represent an exciting proposition.