Arsenal Transfer News: Theo Walcott Reportedly 'Keen' on Barcelona Rumours

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott is apparently interested in a move to Barcelona, with the European champions reportedly eyeing up a surprise switch for the England international.

As reported by George Bellshaw of Metro, Spanish paper AS cite German publication Bild, who claim the Blaugrana are keeping tabs on Walcott due to his versatility in forward positions.

It’s noted by Bellshaw that the Arsenal man is “keen” on the transfer and would “relish” playing alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.

The Blaugrana may well be on the hunt for attacking players in January. After all, not only did they lose Pedro and Xavi last summer, but midfielder Rafinha is also out injured for the long term after picking up an anterior cruciate ligament tear. 

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It leaves the club’s squad very thin up until the mid-season window. Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez thinks January additions are imperative:

Still, Walcott would be a peculiar target. Physically, he has all the attributes to be a Barcelona player, with his searing pace likely to complement the team’s intricate attacking talents. Someone who plays on the last line of defenders like the Arsenal man would facilitate more space for team-mates too.

In addition, although Walcott is much maligned, he’s a player who is well adept at sticking chances away, per OptaJoe:

But there’s plenty that will prevent this deal from happening. Primarily, despite all his aforementioned qualities, Walcott doesn’t have the technical talent to thrive at Barcelona.

So often the Spanish champions are faced with packed defences and no space to surge into. They’re games in which Walcott, who needs the pitch to open up in front of him, would struggle.

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Despite being on the scoresheet regularly, it’s an issue which has been apparent for the Gunners already this season when Walcott has been deployed at the point of the attack. 

Indeed, former England international Carlton Palmer thinks the Arsenal man should be used as an impact player and isn’t good enough to lead the line:

Walcott certainly needs to shed this reputation as a super sub. Despite getting a run in the team up front this season, the 26-year-old has failed to nail down a regular position in the side throughout his Arsenal career. If he’s to fully realise the outstanding potential he showed as a teenager, it’s imperative he does soon.

Needless to say, at Barcelona, he wouldn’t get that luxury. Walcott would most likely be battling with Arda Turan to be the main deputy to the aforementioned attacking triumvirate, never mind to get into the starting line-up. Here’s a reminder of why:

Ultimately, if there is the chance of a move materialising, it depends on what Walcott wants. There seems to be a chance that he may get a run in the team in the centre-forward berth at the Emirates Stadium and an opportunity to prove himself through the middle. But the chance to join a club such as Barcelona would be a tantalising prospect.

At the Camp Nou he’d be part of a squad challenging for the biggest honours in the game and playing alongside a plethora of the world’s very best players. But his reputation as an impact player, not a starter, would be entrenched for the remainder of his career.