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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.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists Walcott will not be sold in January, but Liverpool and now United are considering bids while the other two Prem giants may wait until the summer.

Walcott will be free at the end of the season so it may give Arsenal a dilemma next month - especially if United steam in.

While the current Prem leaders may also wait until the summer, on top of Ferguson being an admirer, van Persie had a close relationship with Walcott and there was a strong understanding between the pair on the pitch.

Arsenal could not expect to get even £10m for Walcott in January but have in interest in little-used United winger Nani - even if his £130,000-a-week wage demands may be a problem for any potential swap deal.

Walcott has consistently said he wants to agree a new deal at the Emirates and to get a chance playing up front instead of out wide.

Meanwhile, Italian club Fiorentina are hopeful of agreeing a £5m January deal for Arsenal's flop striker Marouane Chamakh.

Chamakh has been offered a two and a half year deal but wants similar wages to his current £50,000-a-week which could mean Arsenal have to pay him off.

Arsenal are trying to sell midfielder Andrey Arshavin in January to clear the decks as they look to bring in a striker and winger, with Schalke's Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace among their top targets.