Saints to reveal Walcott sale

Southampton have called a press conference for this afternoon and it's expected they'll announce the sale of 16-year-old star Theo Walcott to Arsenal.

Walcott agreed terms and passed a medical at Arsenal's London Colney training ground last night.

In a deal that dragged on for much of the transfer window, it's believed Arsene Wenger has finally signed Walcott for around £12.5 million, a world record fee for a scholarship player.

The fee is all the more incredible as Walcott is still too young to even sign a professional contract and will still be on a pre contract agreement.

Technically he could have walked away from St Mary's and had his fee decided by tribunal, and likewise could walk away from Highbury until he's 17 on March 16th.

Saint will only reportedly receive around £5 million upfront in the deal, with the remainder being in staged payments dependant on Theo's development.

As much as it's a shame to see such a talented player leave us, we have to accept that were now a Championship club and if Theo is to become a top international player he needs to be playing at a higher level, with world class players around him.

It seems he's made the right decision choosing Arsenal over Chelsea as the way they play will suit his style, he'll be given far more first team opportunities and can learn from his idol Thierry Henry.

We wish Theo all the best for the future and hope he fulfils his huge potential for England!