Walcott seals £20m move to Everton

Published on: 17 January 2018

Theo Walcott has completed his £20 million move to Everton, ending a 12-year stint at Arsenal in the hopes of a fresh start under Sam Allardyce.

Walcott, 28, leaves the Gunners after making just six Premier League appearances for them this season, all as a substitute.

Walcott had been the longest-serving player and leading scorer in Arsene Wenger's squad with 108 goals since his arrival as a 16-year-old in 2006. But his career was interrupted by several long-term injuries and he has struggled for playing time at the Emirates ever since Wenger's switch to a back-three formation last season.

He has been used mainly in cup matches this season, and will hope to revive his career under Allardyce and possibly fight for a spot in England's World Cup squad.

Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

Everton have also signed Cenk Tosun this month and are hoping Walcott's pace can complement the powerful Turkish forward in attack. He could make his debut as soon as Saturday, when Everton face West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park.

Walcott faced big expectations after being included in Sven-Goran Eriksson's 2006 World Cup squad as a 17-year-old before even playing a single Premier League game, meaning expectations were raised substantially before his top-flight career had even begun.

He only scored more than 10 league goals in one of his 11 full seasons at Arsenal, finishing with 14 in 2012-13.

Last season's haul of 19 goals in all competitions was the second best tally of his career, but he found himself without a natural role in the team once Wenger made his formation switch. He has just four goals this season, all in the Europa League and Carabao Cup.

Walcott does leaves a legacy full of important goals for Arsenal -- including the opener in the 4-0 win over Aston Villa in the 2015 FA Cup final, a fine solo effort in the 5-3 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in 2011 and a long-range strike in 2-1 home victory over Manchester City in 2015.

Source: espn.co.uk

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