Arsenal: Theo Walcott should leave Gunners and join Chelsea, says Matt Le Tissier

Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier has urged Theo Walcott to leave Arsenal and make a switch to Chelsea.

The England international will have one year left on his contract and has not signed a new deal to extend his stay at the Emirates beyond 2016. The player denied any rift with the Gunners manager Arsene Wenger, but admitted the club has not handed him a new deal.

However, Wenger confirmed that Arsenal have already started the process with the forward over extending his contract. A report from Tutto Mercato Web claims the British press has linked Walcott with a move to Stamford Bridge.

"He has certainly got enough qualities to play in that team [for Chelsea] and make a difference," Le Tissier told talkSPORT.

"Whether or not in that side he would be guaranteed a place every week might be a different question. But I think any of the top teams in this country would be able to make use of what Theo has got."

It is still not sure if Jose Mourinho will make an approach for Walcott at the end of this season. He has also been a reported target for Arsenal's league rivals Liverpool and Manchester United.

The former England international claims Arsenal's style of play does not suit Walcott and believes his compatriot should leave the north London club in order to become a better player.

"He could be a very useful centre-forward in a team that plays on the counter-attack. Arsenal tend to dominate football matches, especially at home, and there isn't always a lot of space in behind the back four," the Southampton legend said.

"You saw last night, Italy didn't allow too much space in behind and dropped fairly deep, and there was no room for Theo to manoeuvre. I do think he could be a centre-forward if he was in a different team."

"I don't think Roy [Hodgson] did him too many favours last night by throwing him against the Italians as a centre-forward, especially when he has spent nearly a year out injured," Le Tissier concluded.