By Sami Mokbel

PUBLISHED: 17:59 EST, 11 December 2012 | UPDATED: 21:37 EST, 11 December 2012

Manchester United have joined the race for Arsenal rebel Theo Walcott in a move similar to Robin van Persie's controversial switch to Old Trafford in August.

Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to land the England winger, whose deal expires at the end of the season.

Sportsmail understands that should Walcott leave Arsenal, his first choice would be United.

Wanted man: Manchester United are leading the race to sign Theo Walcott

Wanted man: Manchester United are leading the race to sign Theo Walcott

Walcott is declining to sign a five-year deal worth 75,000 a week, while formal talks over fresh terms have not taken place since August 28.

He is said to be keen to stay but wants a deal closer to 100,000 a week.

Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea are all interested, but United's keenness, along with Walcott's desire to join the Barclays Premier League leaders looks, looks to have put United in the driving seat.

At the same time, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is exploring a January swoop for United misfit Nani, raising the chance of a swap deal with Walcott.

Arsenal will look to sell Walcott next month if a new deal is not agreed by December 31, but the ex-Southampton man will not be forced out and will only move to a club that suits him.

Leading the way: Sir Alex Ferguson (left) is set to beat Roberto Mancini (right)

Leading the way: Sir Alex Ferguson (left) is set to beat Roberto Mancini (right)

Missing out: Sportsmail understands that Liverpool are also keen on Walcott

Missing out: Sportsmail understands that Liverpool are also keen on Walcott

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will bid for the forward in January, but United's interest has changed the landscape of Walcott's future.

Likewise, Chelsea and City are keen but would prefer to sign him on a free transfer next summer.

Walcott could be available for as little as 8million given he has just six months left to run on his deal.

The comments below have not been moderated.

Swap him for Nani, better work rate, doesnt try to beat his man 3 times before crossing or shooting and his ego's not as big. Nani ain't doing it so a swap seems worth a punt. Maybe 8 million for United aswell given he has an extra year on his contract to run.

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wellcome to man u...

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Go to United and sit on the bench like you do at Arsenal.

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Please noooooo! He makes Nani look like pele.

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If you move to Utd, City or Chelsea Theo, make sure you take a cushion and blanket because you will be spending an awful lot of time warming the bench.

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I certainly hope he doesn't come to United, we already have one useless England winger we don't need another. I'd rather keep Nani. He always whines about playing upfront in the middle,dream on sunshine we already have far better and proven players ahead of you. Go and be useless and inconsistent elsewhere.

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Talk about over rated, Walcott's done nothing season after season. He's not fit to clean the toilets at Man Utd let alone play for them.

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United doesnt need Theo, we need a center back and playmaker.

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Well, I could certainly see why Walcott would want to go to Utd, since he has stated a desire to play centrally and Utd have absolutely nobody there right now. Makes perfect sense.

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welcome to man city.

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