Arsenal target Spanish wing star as potential Walcott replacement
Published:Arsenal remain in the hunt for new signings, despite a summer of much change, with Jesus Navas now reportedly a chief target of Arsene Wenger.
Wenger is thought to be wary of Theo Walcott’s contract, which has only a year left to run, and as such has begun identifying potential replacements for the Englishman.
Spain international Navas tops his list, and the Euro 2012 winner’s playing style seemingly appeals to Wenger, who would be very short on touchline-hugging wide men should Walcott exit.
A quick-fire sale of Walcott could prove a tempting option for Wenger though, who would prefer to generate funds for a replacement rather than risk losing the winger for nothing.
Indeed, it is thought that little progress is being made in contract talks between Arsenal and Walcott, and so allowing the 23-year-old to leave now could be best for all concerned.
Chelsea and Liverpool have both displayed previous interest in the former Southampton man, and his current contract situation will alert these clubs, among others.
Meanwhile, Navas too has just 12 months to run on his current Sevilla deal, and Los Rojiblancos may also be ready to cash in on one of their key assets.
Navas has a £35m release clause within his current contract, but as he enters the final year of that agreement, Sevilla are reportedly ready to accept a significantly lower bid.
Indeed, a fee close to half of that is thought to be enough to persuade the La Liga outfit to do business, and that would be affordable for Arsenal.
The Gunners would also be able to offer regular first-team football to Navas, a player widely coveted throughout Europe for his sometimes frightening pace and wing play.
Another attractive point for the 26-year-old would be the opportunity to link up with international teammate Santi Cazorla, who completed his Emirates switch earlier this month.
With Mikel Arteta also at the North London club, a growing Spanish contingent at the Emirates could be set for further expansion in the near future.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
