Where next for Theo Walcott? Barca, United, Liverpool or Juve for the Arsenal winger?

The bombshell that Arsenal will be losing their captain and star player Robin Van Persie within a year has left Theo Walcott in a precarious position. The young winger and RVP were the Premier League's most lethal double act last season, with Walcott assisting the Dutchman on six occasions and scoring three from van Persie passes himself. With only a year left on his own Arsenal contract, Walcott could be forgiven for having cold feet about his Gunners future.

There is plenty of interest for the England man following his impressive showing at Euro 2012. With that in mind, talkSPORT take a look at some potential destinations for the England winger...

Club: Chelsea

Case for
Chelsea's interest in Walcott is no secret and when the Blues want their man they tend to get him in the end. The financial motive to go to Stamford Bridge is clear, but from a professional perspective the allure of joining the champions of Europe and a club that has racked up plenty of trophies in recent years is also obvious. In capturing the biggest trophy in European club football, Chelsea managed to do the one thing Arsenal have failed to achieve in their illustrious history, suggesting the balance of capital power has well and truly swung to west London. Walcott need only look at the case of former Arsenal man Ashley Cole to see how a move to the Bridge can benefit his career.

Case against
Despite their success last season, Chelsea are in their own state of transition, and it could be argued that their European triumph was the end of an era rather than a sign of things to come. With Didier Drogba gone, there's no guarantee that Fernando Torres will replicate the Ivorian's goal-scoring record for the Blues, and Walcott could find himself under instant pressure to find the net more often than he's accustomed to. The England international will need to hit the ground running at a club that has shown a merciless side with under-achieving signings, and there's no guarantee he can do that within a completely revamped midfield.

Verdict
Walcott is more likely to win a trophy at Chelsea than Arsenal, but there's a degree of uncertainty over how quickly the new-look Chelsea side will bed in next season. Apart from risking the wrath of Chelsea's supporters if he under-performs, he'll also be public enemy number one at his old side if he makes the switch. A risky move that has the potential to either be career-defining or career suicide.

Club: Barcelona

Case for
Don't laugh. Former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was a known admirer of Theo Walcott after his performance against the Catalans in the Champions League. Even the great Lionel Messi said that Walcott was "one of the most dangerous players I've played against" and that he "truly worried" Barcelona. The Arsenal man would have old friend Cesc Fabregas to help him settle in the Catalan capital, and with the prospect of competing for league and European titles each year, he's unlikely to find a club with bigger credentials.

Case against
Barcelona have made it clear that their summer transfers will focus entirely on reinforcing their defensive line, and while they could change their mind if the right player becomes available, it's still unlikely. Barca have already injected pace into their side with Jordi Alba, and with at least seven players already present in their ranks that can play in Walcott's position, it's hard to see just why they would need him in the first place. From an economic perspective, the cash-strapped Catalans are unlikely to have the spare change to blow on a luxury signing when they're already struggling to afford a new centre-half.

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Walcott has already punished Barcelona in the past, could he do it for them in the future?

Club: Manchester United

Case for
Manchester United could use reinforcements up front, with only Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney remaining as experienced forwards should the likely departure of Dimitar Berbatov take place. The prospect of picking up an experienced international forward to link up with their two key strikers is an attractive one for the Red Devils, and with only a year left on his contract Walcott could come at a reasonable price when United are hesitant to over-spend. United have converted their fare share of talented wingers into world-class players. Could they do the same with Walcott?

Case against
United aren't likely to cough up a fortune for a player like Walcott, and for that reason Arsenal may be put off selling him to one of their biggest rivals without big compensation. From United's perspective, in Luis Nani they have a player with similar qualities to Walcott, and there's no need to have two inconsistent wingers on your books when you can have one. If United's financial predicament is as dire as believed, every penny the Red Devils spend will need to be one spent wisely, and Walcott may not prove a sound investment.

Club: Juventus

Case for
Italian giants Juventus were believed to be interested in Walcott in the winter of 2011, and though a move never came to fruition, there's no reason to suggest that they won't make a push now that his contract is only a year from finishing. Walcott and RVP combined with a goal as the end-product on more occasions than any other front duo in the Premier League last season, so if Juve land the Dutchman the attraction of bringing his foil is clear. Walcott need only look to Paul Ince for an example of how English players can succeed in the Italian game under the right circumstances.

Case against
As a team who have just won a league title, signing a player without a single major trophy to his name in his professional career is hardly a statement of intent. With Juventus looking to bounce forward from their Serie A win to Champions League glory, Theo Walcott is simply not the kind of player who springs to mind when thinking of European success. Juve may think their money could be better invested elsewhere. Robin van Persie!

Club: Liverpool

Case for
Liverpool may have finished below Arsenal in the league last season, but the Anfield side have shown a much greater level of ambition than the Gunners in the past couple of years when it comes to signings. Liverpool's American owners haven't been afraid to spend big money to better their team, whereas Arsenal have looked to austerity in an attempt to improve their own ranks. Walcott could potentially become one of several marquee signings for the Reds this summer, as part of Brendan Rodgers' Anfield revolution. The chance to taste glory as one of the men who brought Liverpool back to the top would be a big incentive for the Arsenal man.

Case against
The fact is that Walcott's current team were much better than Liverpool last season. Despite Brendan Rodgers' great success at Swansea, he remains an unproven manager at the highest level, and moving to Liverpool when they're in a period of transition is a risky move. At this point in time there really is no case to suggest Anfield is a better place to be than the Emirates.

What should Theo Walcott's next move be? A new club or a new Arsenal contract? Comment below and have your say...