Unhappy Theo Walcott ‘to quit Arsenal for Juventus’

ARSENAL winger Theo Walcott is edging ever closer to a move to Juventus. According to a report in the Italian rag Corriere dello Sport, the Turin club’s coach, Antonio Conte, has discussed the possible deal with sporting director Beppe Marotta and a plan has been hatched.

In order to raise the sufficient funds to prise the 22-year-old England star from the Emirates, Juventus will sell Milos Krasic to Chelsea in the January transfer window. The Blues in turn will give Juventus their out-of-favour centre back Alex in a tortuous transfer triangle.

Arsenal would end up with no replacement, but some solid funds – £20m-plus – with which to go shopping.

Corriere dello Sport claim that the move is well underway with Juventus having contacted Walcott’s agent and sounded out the player about a move to Serie A.

Rumours have emerged in recent weeks suggesting that Walcott is increasingly unsettled at the Emirates following the summer departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, not to mention the Gunners’ worst start to a domestic season in 58 years. Quizzed on the speculation, Walcott’s agent Colin Gordon said: "We'll see. I don't know what will happen."

As for Chelsea’s interest in the 26-year-old Krasic, that has strengthened following the Blues’ failure to land Spurs playmaker Luka Modric in the summer and coach Andre Villas-Boas is said to be a big fan of the strapping Serbian international.

Still with Chelsea... Porto full-back Alvaro Pereira remains hopeful of a move to the Bridge next year. The 34-year-old Uruguayan was very close to leaving Porto in the summer but a £15m move fell through at the last minute. According to Portuguese rag Abola, the defender is "frustrated" at not being able to play in the Premier League and is angling for a move to Chelsea in the summer.

In other news, Talksport claims that AC Milan are lining up a bid for Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka in January. The sulky 32-year-old, who's contract ends next June, is surplus to requirements in west London and apparently AC Milan believe the Frenchman still has another couple of years left in the tank. That, and the fact Chelsea would only ask for around £2.5m for Anelka, is likely to seal the deal in the New Year.

Finally, Barcelona defender Eric Abidal says he is being courted by Manchester City. The 32-year-old France international had been linked with a move to either AC Milan or Paris Saint-Germain in January, but in an interview in France Abidal dropped the Sky Blues bombshell.

"There are clubs that have shown an interest, notably PSG, Milan and Manchester City," said Abidal, who arrived at the Camp Nou from Lyon in 2007.

Pressed on the possibility of a move to Eastlands, Abidal said: "I can't say any more."

Abidal’s contract with Barcelona expires next summer and, according to reports, negotiations over an extension have thus far proved fruitless. "I have a lot of respect for Barca but if we can't reach an agreement, the door is always open," said Abidal. ·