I have to say, I’m surprised that Theo Walcott hasn’t jumped at the opportunity to sign a new Arsenal contract. Whilst he’s clearly harbouring a desire to play upfront, does he really think he’ll be offered this opportunity at a club as big as Arsenal?
I’m not so sure. Arsene Wenger has reared him as a winger and it’ll take a big leap of faith for a top club to buy him now, give him a role upfront and trust that he’ll perform. With so much at stake, why would they do that?
That hasn’t stopped speculation from amounting regarding where he’ll end up. One name that keeps popping up is Chelsea, despite their strength in depth going forward.
The Evening Standard even claim that the two clubs may institute a swap deal between Theo Walcott and Daniel Sturridge. So who would be the victors should this come to pass?
There are some similarities between the two players. Both claim to be strikers, despite having been pushed out wide by their respective managers. Both have pace to burn (though I’m sure Walcott would leave Sturridge in the dust) and both know where the back of the net is. Likewise, both have shown a good deal of potential, but are yet to really live-up to their reputation.
Chelsea made some absolutely fantastic signings in the summer transfer window and this has meant Daniel Sturridge has had to put up with limited game time this season. I’m sure he’ll be itching for opportunities and may well welcome the switch. Theo Walcott, on the other hand, seems to have been benched because of an unwillingness to agree new terms.
Whilst I still think he has something to offer this Arsenal side, the club may well have to sell him this January to avoid the potential of losing him for free next summer.
In the long-term, I think it’s Theo Walcott who has the most to offer of the two players. Yes he can be frustrating, but he’s a natural finisher and once he’s through on goal, there’s just no stopping him. Chelsea would be the ‘winner’ of the swap deal in that regard.
But given Theo’s contract situation, should the Gunners pull off a swap deal for Daniel Sturridge, I’m sure they’d end up happy too. In this sense, any swap deal between these two players would surely be considered a win-win.
What’s your take? Would you swap Theo Walcott for Daniel Sturridge, or vice-versa?
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Is arsenal a big club ?
Ofcourse Arsenal is a big club. It’s world reknowned.
Harry. Consider Arsenal’s style of play. They’re known as a passing side and that’s why Barca enjoy raiding them during transfer windows. How will Daniël Sturridge fit in that style of play when he’s already known as a greedy player. He doesn’t make the new look Chelsea starting XI who has an emphasis on possession lately. Di Matteo only uses him when they are dropping deep to defend a lead and then use his pace in counter attacks from the back. He is a player well suited for direct teams.