Southampton winger Theo Walcott once again showed his class as he scored the Saints' only goal in their 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Wednesday evening and the club should ensure that they are the ones to sign him permanently this summer.
The 31-year-old rejoined the South Coast club on loan from Everton during the summer transfer window, having left as a 16-year-old to join Arsenal.
He has made eight appearances in the Premier Leauge so far this season for Ralph Hasenhuttl's side, scoring two goals and assisting twice, resulting in an impressive 6.92 rating.
Therefore, when his contract with Everton expires this summer, Martin Semmens and the rest of the Southampton board must ensure that they sign him on a free transfer, as he is clearly establishing himself as an important player in Hasenhuttl's side.
His wages may prove to be a sticking point, as the Saints currently pay around 50% of his £100k per week wages at Everton, so he would presumably have to take a pay cut to join his boyhood club permanently when you consider that Danny Ings, who is the top-earner at Southampton, earns £75k per week.
However, the former England international affirmed his love for Southampton when he re-joined the club earlier this year, saying:
"I had a few opportunities from other clubs, but as soon as Southampton came in for me, it's part of me and has made me into the player I am. It's in my heart.
"I will probably cry, I bet, when I first play, and it means so much. All the people that made it happen, I can't thank them enough. Honestly, I'm so pleased.
"I was seriously lost for words when Southampton came on the table, and for me it was such an easy decision."
This suggests that the Saints will certainly be favourites to sign him on a free transfer come the end of the season, but Semmens must ensure that Southampton make him a strong offer, as his performances so far this season have undoubtedly shown that he still has the ability to play at the top.
And, in other news... Sold for £12 million, no goals this season: Southampto sold 35-goal ace at the perfect time