After Arsenal’s 4-0 thrashing to Liverpool on Sunday, it’s clear that Arsene Wenger must address his defence before the transfer window closes.
The Gunners are among a host of Premier League clubs that are said to be interested in signing Virgil van Dijk from Southampton, but perhaps they have an ace up their sleeve as they look to beat Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City to the Dutchman.
Italian journalist Emanuele Guilianelli notes that Southampton have had long-term interest in bringing forward Theo Walcott back to the club and will request that Arsenal include him in any deal which sees van Dijk move in the opposite direction.
With the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette at the Emirates, Theo Walcott has been pushed further down the pecking order and a move could be of interest to both him and Arsenal.
Arsenal are desperate to land van Dijk and are prepared to offload Shkodran Mustafi in order to make room for the former Celtic standout, but the German’s move to Inter Milan will only go through if van Dijk is coming in to replace him.
Player exchange deals are rare in the Premier League, but this move would make sense for all involved as Arsenal look to beat Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City to van Dijk.
