As far as transfer rumours go, the latest on Theo Walcott has an interesting twist as AC Milan are mentioned as a possible destination.

The English forward has only started one of Arsenal’s last 12 Premier League games and seems to be playing for his future at the club…when he does manage to get on the pitch.

On Thursday, the London Evening Standard went a little further than they have before with their reports linking him with Manchester City, claiming that Pep Guardiola has instructed the club to keep an eye on Walcott’s situation.

Now, according to Calciomercato, the Gunners could be interested in using Walcott to seal a deal for Italian midfielder Manuel Locatelli.

Being abroad, Milan would be a better option for Arsenal than Manchester City, where Walcott could be successful and come back to haunt the club.

Locatelli is a defensive midfielder and Italy youth international who recently made his debut for the Milan first team and Arsenal have already been linked with him, along with Leicester City.

Maybe using Walcott in the deal, probably in a move so Milan wouldn’t have to pay quite as much for him, would help the Gunners convince the Italian giants to allow Locatelli to leave and to Arsenal ahead of anywhere else.

Milan could let Jeremy Menez leave this summer, so a wide forward like Walcott would be perfect.

The deal ultimately seems unlikely, though. Would Arsenal really look to get a teenager out of the Walcott deal? Would Milan even want him? Would he be willing to go to Italy?

It’s doubtful all three of those questions would be answered with yes.