The next Arsenal player to be linked with a big money move out of the Emirates is England’s own Theo Walcott – a man who has come a long way over the course of the last couple of seasons. Despite injury problems he has finally started to actualise the potential he displayed throughout his first couple of seasons with the Gunners. Were he to finalise a transfer away from the club I’m sure that there would be plenty of disappointed fans.
Yet the Sunday Mail have reported that Chelsea are set to launch a bid for the winger in an attempt to add pace to their aging squad. Whether there’s any truth to these claims remains to be seen, but it’s fair to say that it would take a massive figure for the Gunners to even consider selling. This is money that could be reimbursed into acquiring new players or preparing a bumper deal for contract-wrangler Samir Nasri.
In all likelihood, however, there’s little to no truth behind the claims that Chelsea are seriously interested in acquiring Theo Walcott. Given the interest that the story has cooked up, however, it’s worth examining whether the Gunners could live without their pacey wingman.
Many claims have been made as to Walcott’s lack of a ‘footballing brain’, especially by the likes of Chris Waddle. Whilst he’s got astonishing pace and is impossible to catch once he’s broken through on goal, questions remain surrounding his decision making process. He has a frustrating tendency to cross when he should shoot and vice versa.
To me, this claim, that Walcott has no footballing brain is a myth that must finally be debunked. Anybody who still holds such an opinion didn’t watch Theo Walcott close enough last season. Despite facing a large time on the sidelines he racked up impressive figures (19 starts, 9 goals and 7 assists). Over the last couple of seasons Walcott has carved out a niche and become a rather effective wingman. Whilst he makes the occasional mistake in the final third, this is something that is inescapable, even for the most accomplished players.
Let’s not forget that Walcott may also find himself more at home in the centre of Arsenal’s attack. A position that he may find himself adopting more and more next season if rumours of Nicklas Bendtner’s Arsenal exit are found to be true.
It’s clear to me that should a bid come in, the Gunners should fight to keep hold of Theo Walcott. He’s a young, talented wingman and Arsenal will need players of his quality and effectiveness if they are to realistically challenge for honours next season.
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Are you sure!! I spent hours screaming at Theo to say wide. but Nooo! he trots inside closes the space and then thinks he can trick his way into the box but “ops take the ball with you Theo!” He has magic pace but does not sprint to join a break. he can’t defend, in fact this may not be his fault but is best defensive position is about 10 yards short of the half way line, that would create a problem for attacking set pieces. but agian NO he sits in the wall, I say wall but with AA we have more of a step!
Mark