Arsenal Transfer News: Saints Linked to Theo Walcott in Latest Gunners Rumours

Theo Walcott could be set to return to Southampton after failing to make an impression on Arsenal's starting XI this season.

James Benge of the London Evening Standard reported the Saints could swoop for the England international after selling Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool for £75 million. Southampton coach Mauricio Pellegrino has said he would like to sign two players in the coming weeks, with Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge and Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon under consideration.

However, Benge suggests Walcott could also be in play for Southampton. Walcott left the Saints in 2006 as Gunners boss Arsene Wenger targeted the forward, but he has failed to live up to the mammoth expectations of his teenage years.

It appeared Walcott would develop as a striker due to his searing pace, but Wenger has insisted on keeping him on the wing.

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Per Benge, the 28-year-old played 23 games for Southampton before completing a £9 million switch to north London. He's hit 108 goals in his 12 years at Arsenal but injury has hampered his achievements at the Emirates.

Southampton desperately need to add inspiration to their squad, and the capture of Walcott could change their fortunes this season. The Saints sit just two points above the relegation zone, and Pellegrino's position is far from safe as 2018 begins.

According to Tony Banks of the Daily Express last October, Arsenal are happy to lose Walcott in January and will accept a fee of between £12 million and £15 million. The forward's current deal is worth £110,000 a week and runs until 2019—with seemingly no plans to renew.

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Walcott should be coming into his prime years, but he has failed to hold down a starting position despite being a regular goalscorer for Wenger.

He's made only four substitute appearances in the Premier League this term but has provided three goals and two assists in the UEFA Europa League.

The arrival of Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon further squeezed Walcott's chances at the Emirates, and a move would be best if the attacker has ambitions of appearing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup for England.

Walcott's overall goal record is highly respectable for Arsenal, but it proves there was much more to come from the player if he could have developed further.

The Englishman will be fondly remembered if he departs the squad for a return to the Saints, but he had the potential as a teenager to become a legend at the Emirates.