Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Rumours

Arsenal have reportedly told Theo Walcott he still has a future at the club despite continued links with a move for Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy. 

That’s according to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, who noted that a new striker will not spell the end for the former Southampton man at the Emirates Stadium. James Olley of the London Evening Standard reported on Monday that West Ham United are considering a £25 million bid for the player.

Cross added that the future of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could be in doubt, with Saints and Manchester City keen on landing him. “It remains to be seen if he will be made available,” he continued.

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These are uncertain times for Arsenal’s two England internationals, as the club looks to mount a charge for the Premier League title next season.

Indeed, Greg Johnson of Squawka Football thinks the Gunners’ pursuit of Vardy is to address the failings of Walcott at the Emirates Stadium:

After signing for the club 10 years ago, Walcott has not delivered on the sky-high potential many believed he had. And while there have been some scintillating runs, consistency has been scarce.

Should Vardy come in, his playing time would be limited further and that’s something the 27-year-old simply cannot afford. In the sporadic appearances he made this season, Walcott struggled badly and it’s starting to have an impact on his prospects.

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Walcott’s injury problems and lack of game time meant England manager Roy Hodgson left him out of the squad for the 2016 UEFA European Championship. FourFourTwo’s Seb Stafford-Bloor doesn’t think he deserved to be included:

Oxlade-Chamberlain probably would have made the final cut had he not been struck down with an injury, but he’s another player who’ll be assessing whether or not he has a long-term future at Arsenal.

Alex Iwobi was drafted into the team late last season and showed a lot of promise in his appearances on the flanks. For Oxlade-Chamberlain that is far from encouraging, as he already faces a battle with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sanchez for a spot in the starting XI.

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Being on the bench is all too familiar for the 22-year-old. As we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, Oxlade-Chamberlain has been a peripheral figure at Arsenal in recent seasons:

Both players have big decisions to make this summer.

Walcott could stay at the club and it’s clear he’s a popular figure at Arsenal. But he’s approaching what should be the best years of his career, and it’d be a huge shame for him if he was to spend them sat on the bench or shoehorned into positions he’s not comfortable with. A new start could be invigorating for the forward.

Oxlade-Chamberlain may feel there is a place for him in the Arsenal squad provided he can get fit. The youngster is capable of filling in on both flanks and in central midfield, versatility that’ll be key over the course of a long campaign. If he gets chances, then the onus is on the England man to prove to manager Arsene Wenger he can be a vital squad member.