Theo Walcott admits 'unusual' meeting with Arsene Wenger convinced him to snub Chelsea to join Arsenal

Theo Walcott has revealed how an “unusual” image of Arsene Wenger influenced him to join Arsenal.

A lot of the Premier League's biggest teams were in Walcott when he was a teenage prodigy blessed with an electric beat in Southampton.

Walcott was so highly rated that Southampton gave him his first-team debut at 16 years and 143 days when he came on as a substitute in a Championship match against Wolves.

With Walcott continuing to impress at such a young age, the January 2006 window promised to be a frenzy for the Premier League's big hitters as they sought to sign the youngster.

The 35-year-old told all about how Arsenal Shot at the front of the queue, with a strange view of the former Gunners boss. wenger staying firmly in your mind throughout the decision-making process.

“There were (options for me),” Walcott said on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football.

“Chelsea, LiverpoolManchester United made a very late offer that I was not aware of at the time.

“(But) To be honest, it was already decided as soon as Arsene Wenger got involved.

“I remember going back to his house with (former Arsenal vice-president) David Dein.

“His couch was a little lower than this and his legs were higher than his actual face, considering how tall he was.

“(Laughs) I will never forget that image, it was very unusual.

“AND Henry Thierry Of course, he was a player I was very inspired to learn from.

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“As soon as I got Arsenal involved, I just wanted to go there and play with them.

“My dream was to play with someone like that and if you ask any kid if they want the chance to play with their star, they will do it.

“And it was an easy choice.”

Walcott joined Arsenal from Southampton on 20 January 2006 for an initial £5 million, with the potential to rise to £12 million.

However, he had to wait until August of that year before making his senior debut for the Gunners, which came in a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa.

Unfortunately for Walcott, he only played one season alongside his hero when Henry moved to Barcelona in June 2007.

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But they would later reunite when Henry rejoined the Gunners on a two-month loan deal in January 2012.

Arsenal's outlay for Walcott ultimately proved to be a smart investment, with the striker making 397 appearances in all competitions and scoring 108 times.

His 12-year spell at the Emirates came to an end in January 2018 when joined Everton for a fee reportedly worth £20m.

Walcott enjoyed two and a half seasons with the Toffees before sealing an emotional return to Southampton in 2020.

The 35-year-old, who also earned 47 caps and scored eight goals for England, retired from football in August 2023.