On this day in 2006, Theo Walcott transferred to Arsenal from Southampton at the tender age of 16, although he wouldn’t sign a professional contract until his 17th birthday on 16 March.

The promising youngster had made 21 Championship appearances for the Saints during his final year at the club, scoring four goals, which, as a teenager, was good going. A small, pacey winger, Arsene Wenger snapped him up as soon as possible for £5m.

During the same year, Walcott was also recruited to the England senior team. He now has 47 caps for his country and has scored eight goals.

Walcott is currently Wenger’s longest serving player at the club having been in north London 11 years. During this time, despite having his career blighted by injuries, he’s made 364 appearances, scored 96 goals and assisted 72.

After signing a contact extension in 2015, Walcott’s current deal doesn’t run out until 2019 but it’d be brilliant to see him return to form and continue with the club.