Newcastle Interested in Loan for Walcott

We are now four days into the transfer window and already Newcastle supporters are resigning themselves to the probability that no money will be spent to reinforce the current roster, with help likely coming by way of loans if at all. The most recent subject of speculation in Arsenal winger Theo Walcott, who has been linked with a loan move to St. James’ Park for the remainder of the term.

Walcott, 28, has also been linked with Southampton, Everton and West Ham. The English winger has yet to make a league start on the campaign, with his Premier League contributions being limited to five substitution appearances and a combined 50 minutes of action.

However, Walcott has made five starts for Arsenal in Europa League play and has shown well given the chance, contributing three goals and two assists. Most notably for the purpose of a possible move to Newcastle is the fact that three of these five starts came while playing as a central attacking midfielder, scoring twice and assisting once from this position. The wings are a spot of relative strength for Newcastle, making a move for a player with wages as high as Walcott a curious one for a club so limited in resources as Newcastle; however, Rafa may be looking to deploy the speedy yet injury-prone England international in the No. 10 role.

A number of higher-profile players in the Premier League and beyond will see this window as an opportunity to improve playing time ahead of this summer’s World Cup. Walcott will likely be looking for more playing time in the remainder of the season as a final display before World Cup rosters are solidified, having been a mainstay for the England squad in years past.