Arsenal Transfer Rumors: If Theo Walcott Leaves in January, Nani Could Arrive as Replacement
Nani of Manchester United (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
The tale of the contract extension weaves on and on in the Premier League, this time involving two heavyweight players from top English Premier League’s clubs Arsenal and Manchester United.
The Gunners are looking to lure out-of-favor Portuguese winger Nani from United in January, since the player has failed to appear regularly following an apparent falling out with Sir Alex Ferguson earlier this season.
Nani’s current contract runs through 2014, but he will hardly wait that long if he does not play. He will not come for cheap though, as he will likely cost a hefty £20 million if Arsenal want to bring him to the Emirates. Zenit St. Petersburg and Paris Saint-Germain are also linked to the Portuguese international, but reports claim that he would prefer London over a move to France or Russia.
So far this season, Nani has only appeared in seven league matches, with one goal and one assist to his name. He missed the top-of-the-table clash with derby rivals Manchester City on Sunday through injury, but has not featured since the club’s Champions League tie with S.C. Braga on November 6th ; and, in the league, since his late substitution appearance against Arsenal on November 3rd.
With Arsene Wenger’s patience certainly wearing thin during Theo Walcott’s prolonged contract talks, if the England international eventually does leave, the manager will look to bring in the Portuguese playmaker to fill the void left on the right-flank by his current winger.
Walcott, however, has been massive for club and country this season, with 10 starts, 17 substitute appearances, 11 goals and nine assists in all competitions. Wenger will be highly reluctant to let a player of his potential and potency leave without a fight. But, if he does leave, it will fit into the club’s unfortunate pattern of letting world-class caliber players such as Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri, and Alex Song leave without too great a fuss.
What do you think? Does Nani join Arsenal if Walcott leaves? Does Walcott leave at all? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
