Three Premier League clubs are reportedly chasing Theo Walcott, but does the Arsenal forward fancy a different challenge?
Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has offered himself to AC Milan as he prepares to leave the Emirates Stadium this January, according to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport.
Sky Sports reports that former club Southampton are the favourites to sign Walcott, while the Daily Mail understands that Everton and West Ham United are also interested in the 28-year-old.
However, the report from Italy claims that Walcott would prefer a move away from England after 397 appearances for Arsenal following his move from the Saints as a teenager in 2006.
Walcott has yet to start a single Premier League game for the Gunners this season, but has scored three goals in six Europa League matches and would therefore be ineligble to play for Milan in the same competition.
The Serie A giants are under new ownership and signed 12 players in the summer, and now want to take Walcott on a six-month loan deal with a view to a permanent transfer, Corriere dello Sport understands.
A move to Milan would take Walcott out of the eyeline of England manager Gareth Southgate, but the 47-cap forward is unlikely to be in World Cup contention anyway having last played for his country in 2016.
A return to Southampton would have sentimental value for Walcott, but the Saints seem to be regressing under Mauricio Pellegrino and a fresh start in Milan does seem a more exciting proposition.
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