Football: Arsenal hope for Walcott verdict today.

Byline: BY JIM VAN WIJK

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger hopes to have a decision on his bid to sign Theo Walcott from Southampton "in the next 24 hours".

The Gunners are understood to have tabled a formal offer for the sought-after Saints striker, in a deal which could be worth pounds 12.5million.

The Coca-Cola Championship club confirmed earlier this week bids from two "top Premiership clubs" had been received.

Chelsea are believed to be the other interested party, while Tottenham manager Martin Jol yesterday revealed his club have also inquired about the teenager's availability.

Arsenal, though, seem to be at the head of the queue - with the 16-year-old thought keenest to further his career in north London.

Wenger said: "We are very heavily in the race. But nothing is done - and as long as nothing is signed, you cannot talk about it. However, we are hoping to get a decision in the next 24 hours."

Neither Arsenal nor Southampton was yesterday making any official announcements, but it has been widely suggested Walcott will be unveiled by the Gunners at their regular pre-match press conference tomorrow.

As a public limited company, Southampton are obliged to inform the London Stock Exchange when any deal has been completed - and that could happen this morning.

Chelsea are said to have offered more than the initial pounds 4.5m reported to be on the table from the Gunners, which would rise to around pounds 12m based on appearances and the players' development. However, it is that opportunity to further his career with regular rather than sporadic tastes of first-team football for Arsenal which may prove key to Walcott's decision.

A player of his age can sign a deal for a maximum of three years, with the option to extend the contract in the near future.

Walcott, though, cannot technically sign a professional contract with Gunners until his 17th birthday on March 16.

CAPTION(S):

Theo Walcott