Who's next, Arsene? Chelsea target Theo could jump ship after RVP bombshell

Robin van Persie’s exit could spark a player exodus at Arsenal - with Theo Walcott another big name whose contract expires next summer.

And with the news that his captain has refused to sign a fresh deal, the England international may follow his lead and opt for a future away from the Emirates Stadium.

Although he is not rated in the same class as Van Persie, Walcott has his admirers in the Barclays Premier League including Chelsea.

The Champions League winners are one leading club who would be interested in taking the 23-year-old winger away from Arsenal.

Although Walcott is believed to be happy at the club, the possibility of a Bosman free transfer next summer could change his mind.

The Gunners could find themselves in the same position as they are with wantaway Van Persie - with the player holding all the power going into the final 12 months of his contract.

Jack Wilshere and Alex Song are two other players who would attract major interest but they are both tied to long-term deals.

Arsenal have long resisted paying inflated wages to their players but that - as well as the seven trophyless years the club have suffered - makes it increasingly difficult to hold on to their top players despite the recent high-profile arrivals of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud.