Theo Walcott to Barcelona: Arsenal striker a January transfer target for Spanish giants after they lose Rafinha for the season

Walcott is currently injured having enjoyed a run as Arsenal's lead striker this season

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott could be targeted by Barcelona in January

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has been identified as a possible January target for Barcelona as the Spanish champions consider their options ahead of the Fifa-imposed transfer ban being lifted.

Walcott enjoyed a run in the Arsenal side as the main striker this season, but Olivier Giroud has started the last three matches for the Gunners and scored the opener in Saturday’s 3-0 victory at Swansea.

The England international missed the trip to Wales with a calf injury that could keep him out until December, but Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo is reporting that Barcelona could make a surprise move for Walcott after seeing Rafinha ruled out for the rest of the season with injury.

The Catalan club are eyeing a number of targets as they looked to strengthen their squad, having seen a number of injuries hit key players this season including star forward Lionel Messi. Barcelona currently trail rivals Real Madrid on goal difference only after they both chalked up victories on Saturday, and they were boosted by the return of injured midfield duo Andres Iniesta and Sergi Roberto.

It is not known how much Walcott would cost Barcelona or whether the Gunners would be willing to part with the 26-year-old given they are fairly short on attacking options, although there was a welcome sight at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday as Joel Campbell netted his first goal for the club having started the match in Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s absence.

Any sale of Walcott would likely force manager Arsene Wenger into the transfer market for a new striker, but his reluctance to spend in the summer was based on his trust in Walcott stepping up to play through the middle as well as seeing limited options available to bring into the side.