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Arsenal: Grading January transfer window moves

By Andrew Dowdeswell

SWANSEA, WALES - JANUARY 30: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Arsenal warms up prior to the Premier League match between Swansea City and Arsenal at Liberty Stadium on January 30, 2018 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
SWANSEA, WALES - JANUARY 30: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Arsenal warms up prior to the Premier League match between Swansea City and Arsenal at Liberty Stadium on January 30, 2018 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 20: Theo Walcott of Everton looks on during the Premier League match between Everton and West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park on January 20, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 20: Theo Walcott of Everton looks on during the Premier League match between Everton and West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park on January 20, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /

Selling Theo Walcott for £20 million – A

Where Coquelin failed, Theo Walcott’s £20 million Everton departure flourished. Not only did Arsenal sell him for top value, but they sold a player at a position where there are plenty of other options and who has not displayed the necessary edge to forge a role for himself in the Premier League.

Walcott was resigned to Europa League and domestic cup appearances. That is not what a player of his reputation, natural talent and record should be doing. He needs regular playing time at the highest level that he can play at. Everton is the perfect club for him.

And from an Arsenal perspective, the depth that he provides is amply offered by the versatility of Danny Welbeck and Alex Iwobi, as well as the flourishing youth prospects of Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson, who Wenger has entrusted with bench positions in recent weeks, who will certainly be hopeful that their opportunities are now on the up with Walcott gone. So they sold a player that they don’t need for an excellent price. What’s not to like?

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