Spartak Moscow 'plan winter raid for Arsenal's Theo Walcott'

Spartak Moscow are reportedly planning to test Arsenal's resolve to hang on to Theo Walcott by making a bid for him in the winter transfer window.

The England winger is in the final year of his Gunners contract and has turned down the terms on offer to extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium.

He was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool in the build-up to transfer deadline day, but eventually agreed to remain with Arsenal until at least January.

A number of Premier League and Serie A clubs are monitoring the situation in the hope he will be available for nothing next summer.

Spartak Moscow's Spanish manager Unai Emery is apparently also keeping a close eye on developments.

Theo Walcott is a transfer target for Spartak Moscow

According to reports in Emery's homeland, he has persuaded Spartak's owners to make a bid for the 23-year-old and they are putting together a lucrative package in an attempt to lure him to Russia.

It remains to be seen whether Walcott would be willing to consider a move to Moscow, even though the Russian Premier League is growing in stature and has been able to attract players of the quality of Samuel Eto'o and Hulk.

The ex-Southampton trainee has indicated his preference is to remain at Arsenal, as long as they are prepared to offer him a salary close to what other England squad members earn at their clubs.

If that does not happen, a free transfer switch to a rival Premier League team is his most likely move.