West Ham and Southampton eye January move for Arsenal forward

West Ham and Southampton will move for Arsenal forward Theo Walcott in January, claims The Sun.

A mystery illness has kept Walcott out of Arsenal’s last six matches and he is reportedly free to leave in January if the Gunners receive a suitable offer.

Walcott has spent the last 11 years at Arsenal after leaving Southampton in 2006 and now his boyhood club want to re-sign the 28-year-old.

However, Southampton face stiff competition from West Ham, who are looking to bolster their offensive options in the New Year following their abysmal start to the campaign.

A move to West Ham would allow Walcott to remain in London but it remains to be seen whether the England international wants to leave Arsene Wenger’s side midway through the season.

Walcott has been limited to just 47 minutes of action in the Premier League this season spread over three substitute appearances. In four Europa League starts, Walcott has played a direct hand in three goals (two goals, one assist).