Theo Walcott has completed his move from Arsenal to Everton. The reported figure of £20 million sees the England international arrive on Merseyside to take the number 11 shirt that was vacated by Kevin Mirallas, who left the Toffees earlier this month to rejoin Olympiakos on loan.
Happy to confirm I have today joined @everton 🔵⚪ #EFC pic.twitter.com/BSoTJgRXq2
— Theo Walcott (@theowalcott) January 17, 2018
Walcott was rumoured to be in line for an almost-romantic return to boyhood club Southampton, but it is understood that Everton's new found spending power and apparently Walcott's desire to work with Sam Allardyce were the deciding factors that ruled the Saint's out of the move.
The 28 year old was actually Arsenal's longest serving member of their squad up until today's exit with his tenure at the North London club stretching all the way back 2006. However the player has supposedly had a falling out with now former boss, Arsene Wenger which has seen him only take in 63 minutes of football in the Premier League this season.
According to former Ireland striker Tony Cascarino Walcott is easily worth "double" what Everton are paying for him and it's Arsene Wenger's fault for undervaluing the attacker.
At £20million the Everton manager will think he has a bargain — in the form of last season Walcott would be worth double that. All forward lines are mobile now and Walcott could be deadly as part of a front three at Everton, playing on the shoulder of defenders, interchanging positions with Cenk Tosun and Yannick Bolasie. Don’t be surprised if he shows Wenger what could have been.
Theo Walcott famously became a household name back in 2006 when then-England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson controversially included him in his 23 man World Cup squad despite the fact that Walcott was 17 years old at the time and, of course, the small matter of never having played a competitive game for the Gunners.
As bad luck would have it, Walcott not only didn't feature at that World Cup but has never made an appearance at football's premiere tournament. Of course, injury woes have plagued Walcott's career and he will be hoping that his supposed "World Cup Curse" could possibly be lifted this year if a renewed run of form and fitness comes under his new boss, former England manager Sam Allardyce.
I would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved @Arsenal – manager, coaches, backroom staff, and all the many people at the club that have been part of my family for the past 12 years. 1/2
— Theo Walcott (@theowalcott) January 17, 2018
2/2 I would also like to thank all my team mates I have had the pleasure of playing alongside, but most importantly the fans for their incredible support. I feel sad to leave but also excited for a new challenge. I wish everyone at the club every success for the future.
— Theo Walcott (@theowalcott) January 17, 2018
Few nicer, classier guys in football than @theowalcott.
I wish him all the best at Everton.
For this moment alone, he'll always be an Arsenal legend. pic.twitter.com/LQJg3CwH5B— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 16, 2018
Good luck at Everton, @theowalcott!
Although a frustrating player at times, he’s one of very few players to be in the Arsenal 💯 Club and is as much of a model professional as they come. Our longest serving player has now left the club.. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/PJIpIAw6cK— UberArsenal™ (@UberAFC) January 17, 2018
BREAKING: Theo Walcott joins Everton! 🔵⚪ pic.twitter.com/78dYKFFmKE
— FootyYapper (@FootyYapper) January 17, 2018
Theo Walcott on Everton: "Everton is a club with a great history. The Club has won trophies but I want them to win trophies now. The manager is very hungry and it’s just what I need." pic.twitter.com/9MCEmGnxW6
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) January 17, 2018
🤓 | Everything you need to know about the career so far of our new man @theowalcott...#WelcomeTheo https://t.co/vUTPysPEUW pic.twitter.com/XztVSqqe2q
— Everton (@Everton) January 17, 2018
Theo Walcott surely would have loved to spend his entire career at Arsenal, but moving on is the right choice. Fans will remain split on his legacy, but 108 goals, incl. in FA Cup final, and the 2-0 gesture vs Spurs is what he should be remembered for. Hope he thrives at Everton.
— Mattias Karén (@MattiasKaren) January 17, 2018
Walcott becomes Everton's second signing of the January transfer window following the £25 million arrival of Turkish striker, Cenk Tosun from Besiktas.
