Theo Walcott: Ex-Arsenal Midfielder Set to Join League One Side

• Theo Walcott is reportedly in line to join League One side Reading this summer
• The 34-year-old is a free agent after he was recently released by Southampton
• Walcott's move will end his spell of more than 15 years in the English top flight

Former Arsenal midfielder, Theo Walcott, is reportedly closing in on a summer move to League One side, Reading.

Walcott is currently a free agent after he was released by Southampton at the end of last season following their relegation from the Premier League.

The Englishman was part of the Saints' team that dropped to the Championship after they finished bottom of the table in the 2022/23 season.

According to The Sun, the midfielder has been training with Reading in recent weeks as he closes in on a summer move.

The development has since been reported by Reading Today, which claims The Royals are 'hoping to complete the signing' of Walcott in preparation for next season.

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Reading will be competing in League One after their relegation from the Championship, following a disastrous campaign last season.

The campaign initially saw the club deducted six points for 'failure to fully satisfy a business plan agreed upon after a historical breach of the EFL's Profit and Sustainability limits'.

Walcott's Premier League stint

Meanwhile, Walcott's imminent move to the third-tier English division comes after spending more than 15 years in the English top flight.

The former English international made his senior bow with Southampton in 2005 before Arsenal came calling in 2006.

The 34-year-old went on to spend close to 12 years at the Emirates Stadium before he moved to Everton in 2018.

Walcott later sealed an emotional return to Southampton on loan in 2020 before making a permanent switch to the Saints in 2021.

Arsenal star hints at exit

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Folarin Balogun hinting at his Arsenal departure as rumours continue to swirl about an exit this summer and the club reportedly being keen to cash in on him.

The 21-year-old academy graduate enjoyed a successful loan spell at Reims in Ligue 1 last season, netting an eyewatering 21 goals, but could be moving on from the Emirates Stadium.