Chelsea emerge as shock favourites to poach Theo Walcott
Blues boss Rafa Benitez is confident of getting his man as the £15million-rated winger would not have to uproot from London.
Liverpool are long-term admirers and both Manchester clubs are keen.
But Chelsea have sent a scout to watch Walcott and plan to use him as a more central attacker, a role the England man craves.
Interim boss Benitez will have cash to spend in next months transfer window.
He rates Walcotts lightning pace as a huge asset as he looks to land a player to support Fernando Torres.
The forward, 23, has refused to sign a new £80,000-a-week contract at Arsenal and can leave for nothing next summer when his current deal runs out.
The Gunners know they could still raise around £15m for the player by selling him in January.
Walcott is likely to try to wait until the summer before moving.
As a free agent he could command a signing-on fee of around £3m plus £90,000-a-week wages.
Chelsea are set to offload striker Daniel Sturridge to Liverpool next month leaving a spot in the squad, which they would like to fill immediately.
But the Blues are so keen on Walcott that they will press on to land the England star even if they have to wait until next summer.
