Report: Everton close to agreeing Theo Walcott deal; Sam Allardyce a key factor

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Theo Walcott has played his last game for Arsenal as he nears Everton move, according to reports.

Everton are on the brink of signing Theo Walcott from Arsenal after the forward identified Sam Allardyce as the manager to reignite his career, according to BBC Sport.

The 28-year-old had been linked with a return to former club Southampton, from whom he joined the Gunners 12 years ago, but BBC Sport reports that Everton have won the race for his signature.

It is understood that the Toffees will pay more than £20m for Walcott, who is excited about the prospect of linking up with Allardyce as he aims to get his career back on track.

Walcott has scored 108 goals in 397 appearances for Arsenal, but has not started a single Premier League game this season and has not played for England since November 2016.

The 47-times capped international featured in Allardyce’s only match as Three Lions boss so has already had the chance to strike a relationship with the 63-year-old, however briefly.

The Liverpool Echo adds that Walcott will undertake a medical at Everton’s Finch Farm base today, ahead of joining Turkish striker Cenk Tosun in moving to Goodison Park this month.