Arsenal explosive star could leave Emirates next season after £26m bid

Barclays Premier League outfits West Ham are ready to launch an ‘audacious’ £26million transfer bid for Arsenal attacker Theo Walcott.

England forward has registered 336 senior appearances for the Gunners, scoring 84 times in the process, but hasn’t hit the heights expected since arriving at the Emirates from Southampton over a decade ago.

The 27-year-old has often struggled to hold down a regular role in Arsenal’s starting Xi, more commonly finding himself utilised out wide than in his preferred position of centre-forward.

However, according to Brentwood Gazette, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is prepared to offer the 42-cap international the chance to prove himself as an out-and-out striker with the Hammers next season.

Of course, that will require obtaining his services during the coming transfer window, but the Irons are reportedly hoping a £26million summer bid will convince their north London rivals to sell.

England international star has scored just eight goals across all competitions this season – only four of which have come in the Premier League.