Young forward Theo Walcott signs for Arsenal
Theo Walcott
Theo Walcott (16) has today signed for Arsenal from Championship side Southampton for an initial fee of £5 million which could rise to a maximum of £12 million.
The highly rated youngster has initially joined the Club as a scholar and will turn professional on his 17th birthday on March 16th 2006.
England Youth International Walcott, became the youngest player ever to represent the Southampton first team, coming on as a substitute in the first league match of this season against Wolves, aged just 16 years and 143 days.
Theo, who can play either as a forward or an attacking midfielder, made 13 appearances (scoring five goals) for Southampton this season and also broke into the England under-17 squad one year above his age group, scoring five goals from nine appearances in the 2004/05 season.
Manager Arsène Wenger said: “Theo Walcott is a very young player, but has already shown in his performances for Southampton that he is a talented player with huge potential. I also like the fact that he is a versatile player who is incredibly dedicated, shows great determination to succeed and is blessed with electric pace. We are delighted Theo has signed for the Club and will make a fantastic addition to our squad.”
Theo Walcott said: “I’m so pleased to be joining Arsenal, a club I have admired for a long time. Coming to Arsenal will give me the opportunity to work with world class players every day and play football at the highest possible level. It’s a strange day, because I’m also very sad to be moving from Southampton. I’m leaving many friends and some great coaches who have been so important to my career so far, but I leave with many great memories from the club. I’m now really looking forward to meeting my new team mates and working hard as an Arsenal player.”
Walcott is yet to play in the Premiership, but was involved in two FA Youth Cup ties against Arsenal in recent seasons. He was on the bench as a 14 year-old when the two teams met in January 2004, and scored the only goal when the teams met in Southampton in February last season.
Theo will immediately join up with his new team mates and will wear the Arsenal number 32 shirt this season.
