Arsenal striker Theo Walcott has become a £25 million summer target for West Ham United, according to reports from The Sun.
Walcott made 23 starts in the Premier League last season for Arsene Wenger’s side, scoring 10 goals, however is reportedly afraid another season on the fringes may damage his chances of a World Cup place with England, especially with competition up front within the squad hotting up.
England manager Gareth Southgate already has Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Jermain Defoe, Marcus Rashford and Danny Welbeck at his disposal, meaning that Walcott could miss out on a spot in Russia next year if he is unable to find sufficient playing time with the Gunners.
The former Southampton man was left out of England’s most recent squads to face Scotland and France, but it is reported that Slaven Bilic may give the Englishman a lifeline back into the squad in the form of a move to East London this summer.
The Hammers are desperate to sign a proven Premier League forward after a difficult last campaign in front of goal, and a transfer for the out-of-favour Walcott would almost guarantee first team football week in week out should he make the move.
Walcott, 28, is now the third Arsenal forward to be linked with a move to the London Stadium this summer, after the speculation surrounding both Olivier Giroud and Lucas Perez.
