Theo Walcott
English football fans love a myth (I’m pretty sure Frank Lampard isn’t actually fat) and one of the biggest in the Premier League is that Arsenal’s Theo Walcott is a little bit crap.
The reality is that Walcott is an explosive, talented young forward and his continued improvement amidst unrealistic expectations has earned him a sea of admirers.
This season, as you may expect of a 23-year-old footballer still someway short of his peak, Walcott has found his best ever goal scoring form.
He has already contributed 8 goals and 4 assists in 12 games and looks hungry to improve on the previous two seasons, which have seen him score 13 and 11 goals respectively.
With fantastic re-sale value to pacify even the stingiest of chairman, coupled with the English-factor add on, signing Walcott has plenty of potential positives.
What’s the catch?
Guaranteeing a player that he’ll consistently be selected in his favoured position is never a wise move, but that is what it will take to lure young Theo, such is his desire to be seen as a central striker.
A £100,000+ weekly pay packet on a four-year deal is a hefty investment. Over 20 million pounds to be precise.
But if Walcott stays fit and continues his goal scoring form, it could prove to be a wise long-term purchase or at the very least a highly desirable asset to sell in a year or two.
Lewis Holtby
The Schalke playmaker, born to a scouse father and a German mother is out of contract in the summer and is drawing attention from the usual suspects.
Holtby, 22, has been prolific for the German U21’s and has started the Bundesliga season in fine form for his club.
He has however been quick to refute media speculation surrounding his future: “I am blue and white, I am with Schalke and agents are there to deal with that.”
Yet Holtby’s family connection with England should not be ignored.
Holtby continued: “My father was born in England and was a Everton fan since the age of five. He immediately infected me with the Everton virus!”
What’s the catch?
The competition for his signature will be fierce and Schalke are an improving side with a strong squad, sitting 2nd in the top tier of German football.
Unless you can provide Champions League football, a healthy wage and a near-guarantee of silverware you wont get close to securing this young talent.
Ashley Cole
There is a nagging sense that Ashley Cole will be remembered in footballing folklore as a greedy, rather grumpy man, who shot a work-experience kid in the midriff and became embroiled in the ugly mess of the John Terry racism trial.
But, for a large chunk of an outrageously successful career, Ashley Cole should be recalled for being the best fullback in world football.
Consistent, strong and a lovely passer; the left-back’s list of attributes are mirrored only by his bulging trophy cabinet.
Cole’s contract runs out with Chelsea next summer and the West-London club appear unlikely to offer more than a one-year extension.
Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo remains philosophical on the issue: “That’s the world of football. That’s how you live in this world, in this industry.”
What’s the catch?
Ashley Cole once claimed he was so gravely insulted by Arsenal’s £55,000 a week offer that he nearly crashed his car.
That was as a fresh-faced 20-something, so years of success and footballing cynicism would suggest he would be holding out for something more substantial.
Cole is 32 years old in December, but will still demand a four or five year contract from his new employees.
Unless you’re Madrid, PSG or Manchester City, Ashley Cole is probably out of your range. Enthusiastic work-experience youngsters across Europe can breath a huge sigh of relief.
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