Arsene Wenger openly admits he is a big fan of Theo Walcott - but insists no
deal has yet been struck to bring the highly-rated Southampton teenager to
Arsenal.
Reports this morning suggested the 16-year-old was set to join the Gunners in
a deal worth up to £10million.
However, Wenger maintained such talk was premature, but indicated he would be
keen on adding the youngster to his squad, which was today bolstered by the
signing of French Under-19 international Vasiriki Abou Diaby, and the
confirmation of Monaco striker Emmanuel Adebayor's arrival is expected within
the next 24 hours.
"He's a player we rate. I rate him personally and we are looking at him,
yes," said Wenger.
But the Arsenal manager insisted: "It is not at the numbers you suggest
because we are not in advanced negotiations at all.
"Is he available or not? We are not the only club who is after Theo Walcott -
but you ask me if I like him, I will say yes."
Wenger added: "From me liking him, him liking the club and the deal being
done, there is still a step to go."
On whether talks had actually taken place between the two clubs, the Arsenal
manager stressed: "I wouldn't like to come out with that.
"If I say yes, it's a yes, if I say no, it's a no.
"The more secret things like that are the better it is."
It would seem, however, only a matter of time before Arsenal make their
interest official.
Southampton - relegated from the top flight last season - maintain they are in
no rush to sell their prize asset, who looks certain to be a full England
international in the future, rated by many as the most natural attacking talent
since Wayne Rooney.
The striker has a pre-contract agreement with the Saints to sign a
professional contract on his 17th birthday in March.
However, FIFA rules mean Walcott could sign for another club after his
birthday, with the south-coast club entitled to compensation - which could be
around £500,000 - decided by a tribunal.
As determined as Saints are to hold on to Walcott, chairman Rupert Lowe
accepts there may come a time when it was right for the striker to further his
career elsewhere.
Arsenal would then seem the player's preferred destination, but Wenger knows
his club will not be the only one in the Barclays Premiership keen on securing
the youngster.
"It's like when you start a race with 10 other players and you ask me: Are
you hopeful that you will win the race? I will say yes - but there are nine
others who think the same," Wenger reflected.
Saints expect Walcott to be in George Burley's squad for the trip to QPR
on Saturday, the striker having scored five goals in 22 appearances so far this
season.
Wenger has clearly seen enough to believe he has the potential to make an
impact at the highest level.
"I like the timing of his runs, his determined attitude, the fact that he can
play in different positions up front; that he is calm in front of goal," said
the Arsenal manager.
"The composure he shows in decisive moments doesn't change, whether it's in
Division One or Premiership - you have that or you don't have that.
"His determination as well, and he has electric pace."
Walcott is a big fan of Arsenal captain Thierry Henry, and Wenger commented:
"There are similarities there.
"Thierry was a wide player and Theo can play either wide or central as
well."
Further speculation over Walcott mounted after Lowe and Southampton
director of football Sir Clive Woodward visited the Gunners' training ground.
But the Coca-Cola Championship club deny there was an ulterior motive behind
the trip.
"Clive Woodward and I visited Arsenal's training ground on Thursday just to
look at their facilities which are magnificent," said Lowe.
"Maybe that has caused some crossed wires? But we have not agreed to sell
Theo, we want to keep him."
The Saints chairman stressed: "We want him to stay as long as possible - but
I cannot give any copper-bottomed answers and say he will be here for the next
five years or two years or whatever.
"We hope he will be and while he is happy that we are the club to give him
the right career path to progress then I am sure he will stay.
"But if at any stage he wants to go then that will be a matter for him and
his advisors and those he talks to.
"I don't think we will feel for a very long time that we would want him to go
and we never try to sell our players at 16 or 17.
"We want to get the best from him and for him to progress and flourish here
as he has done so far.
"He is a wonderful player and we hope to have him for a very long time, but
you can never say never and I cannot guarantee it."
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