Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has one year left on his contract at the Emirates and reports suggest that Liverpool could make a summer move for the 26-year-old England international, who is apparently stalling on a new deal.
Having summarised the details of the transfer rumour – we don’t think it has any ounce of truth in it.
And here’s five reasons why.
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5) Formation
With Brendan Rodgers favouring a 3-4-2-1 formation at the moment, a system which has reaped the benefits for the Reds.
So where would Walcott fit in should he sign?
Not suitable to a wing-back role with question marks over his defensive duties as seen in his failure to close down a cross at White Hart Lane which lead to Harry Kane’s winner and has doesn’t have the build to play the lone striker role.
4) Wenger won’t sell to a direct rival (again)
Yes he has done it in the past with Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri, Emmanuel Adebayor among others. But the difference is Arsenal were under pressure at the stage and needed to sell for financial reasons.
There is simply no way Arsene Wenger would willingly sell Walcott to the Reds, and boost a team who could possibly challenge for the title in the next few seasons.
3) Champions League football
A player of Walcott’s stature will demand Champions League football year in year out, and whilst Liverpool are looking good for top-four finish this season, it’s not a certainty.
Stats show Arsenal have qualified 17 years in succession, while this season was Liverpool’s first time back in the competition for five years, will he want to risk it?
2) Raheem Sterling
Are Liverpool really interested in Theo or are they just trying to convince Raheem Sterling to sign a new deal by targeting somebody with similar attributes to him?
1) Injury
Theo suffered a cruciate ligament injury against Tottenham last year and is still nearing full fitness.
Not many players get back to their best after suffering this type of injury and Walcott does seem to suffer various niggles throughout a season, Liverpool won’t take the gamble.