Why Everton must offload winger Theo Walcott this summer
According to the Daily Mirror, (h/t The Sun), Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti is planning a summer squad overhaul and Theo Walcott will be one of the first to walk out through the door.
Theo Walcott, 31, joined Everton in a £20m deal from Arsenal in January 2018 and has made 79 appearances across all competitions, scoring 10 goals so far. The former England international, who has a contract at the Goodison Park until 2021, has failed to impress Carlo Ancelotti, with a goal and three assists in 25 appearances this season hardly inspiring.
As a result, the Toffees are now looking to offload Walcott, who earns a staggering £7million a year, the report adds. (h/t The Sun)
Ancelotti has brought a sense of togetherness and fight in his players since replacing Silva in December. However, the Toffees have seen a slight dip in form after failing to win any of their last three league games. They are currently 12th in the league table and would be hoping to do better in the rest of the campaign to finish at a respectable position.
Just how crucial it is to recruit well during the transfer windows, maintaining the balance of the team is equally vital to any team’s progress. This is why it’s important to offload the deadwood and Ancelotti must do his task in the best manner possible and get rid of Theo Walcott in the summer.
Walcott joined Arsenal as a prodigious talent from Southampton back in 2006. He spent 13 seasons with the Gunners, scoring 108 goals in 397 appearances across all competitions. However, injuries often troubled his career and hindered his growth.
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The Englishman’s development seems to have halted in recent years, failing to step up due to injuries and inconsistency at Everton. 10 goals in 79 appearances for Everton is a mediocre return from a player who has volumes of Premier League experience and undoubted ability.
Walcott still has a few years of top-flight football left in him, but continuing to play for the Toffees doesn’t look like the right option.
Verdict
Ancelotti has a lot of exciting young attacking talents in Richarlison, Moise Kean, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Alex Iwobi. He must groom this group of players by giving them more opportunities next season.
The Italian tactician, however, should get rid of Walcott as he isn’t going to get any better and is on high wages. Hence, Everton must offload the Englishman and replace him with a young talent.
