By Samuel Opio
Arsenal forward Theo Walcott is set to have a medical examination at Everton within the next 24 hours before completing a move worth more than £20m.
Walcott was seen entering Everton’s training ground, Finch Farm, on Tuesday afternoon as a move to Goodison Park edges closer.
TheSpy Sports desk understands that the fee for the winger is in the region of £20m and that if negotiations continue to make progress, Walcott could begin his medical later this evening.
Last week, Everton boss Sam Allardyce confirmed the Toffees had entered into negotiations with Arsenal over the sale of Walcott, who has been with the Gunners since joining from Southampton in 2006.
The Saints had also been keen to land the England international but it appears Everton have now won the race for the 28-year-old’s signature.
We also understand that the Merseyside club’s spending power and Walcott’s desire to work with Allardyce are the key reasons for his decision to head to the Northwest.
Everton have already signed Turkey international Cenk Tosun from Besiktas for £27m earlier this month and Allardyce believes Walcott would be another “great addition” to his squad.
Wenger said he has told Walcott he wants him to stay but added on Friday he has not guaranteed game time to the player, who has 18 months left on his contract.
If a deal goes through, Arsenal plan to use the funds to reinvest, with concrete interest in Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bordeaux forward Malcom.
They are hoping to sign Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan in a deal which would involve Alexis Sanchez going the other way.
However, it is unlikely Arsenal would recruit all three players,close sources revealed no agreement is close yet between Arsenal and the player.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have offered a new deal to England midfielder Jack Wilshere. The offer is worth less than his current deal but is heavily incentivized.
The 26-year-old is out of contract at the Emirates at the end of the season.
