Theo Walcott Arsenal’s young star began contract negotiations with Gunners but Manchester United prepared the over £8m transfer fee.

Sir Alex Ferguson is considering another sensational raid on Arsenal – this time for Theo Walcott.

Manchester United pulled off the transfer coup of last summer when they bought Robin van Persie from the Gunners for £24million. Now, United boss Ferguson is understood to be keen on winger Walcott, who could end up leaving the Londoners because of his contract stand-off.

It would infuriate Arsenal fans if another big name was sold to United, who they see as one of their biggest rivals.

Van Persie’s switch provoked a fan backlash and losing Walcott to Old Trafford so soon after would be hugely unpopular.

Walcott, 23, is set to be out of contract at the end of the season and has hit deadlock after Arsenal made him a “take it or leave it” £75,000-a-week offer to stay. Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool are all keen, but United are the latest club to show interest.

Manchester United Transfer News:Fergie ponders reuniting Walcott with RVP

Sir Alex Ferguson is keen on a January move for the England international. The Gunners will be loathed to lose another player to one of their rivals following Robin van Persie’s move to Manchester United, while Walcott could earn significantly more from a free transfer.

Theo Walcott has named his terms of a new contract earlier; £100,000-per-week contract with regular appearances for Arsenal FC as a striker. The Gunners are also moving in to sign Crystal Palace starlet, Wilfried Zaha, by raising their bid to rival Manchester United FC.