Theo Walcott 'ready to leave Arsenal'

Arsenal striker Theo Walcott is ready to part company with the club, according to a report.

The Sun understands that the England star was disheartened to learn that Robin van Persie had not signed a new contract, and is ready to follow him elsewhere.

Walcott, who has been linked with Chelsea, has one year remaining on his current deal and was keen to hold fire on renewal talks until Van Persie's future had been decided.

Arsenal are said to be preparing a four-year deal for Walcott worth around £80,000 per week. He will be free to leave on a free transfer next summer should he decline the offer.

Club investors Alisher Usmanov and Farhad Moshiri blasted Arsenal following its failure to hold on to Van Persie, and expressed concerns about its future direction.