I can’t wait to see the reaction when Theo Walcott inevitably opts to leave Arsenal on a free at the end of the last season. He’ll receive a massive pay-rise from his new pay-masters and Arsenal will no doubt be be-rated across the country. The general line, when it comes to the Gunners, is that the club finds it impossible to hold on to their best players.
That’s why they had to let go of the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Robin Van Persie and Alex Song. Like it or not, Theo Walcott belongs on the list of Arsenal’s best players. I’m sure anti-Arsenal pundits will have a field-day when he moves on.
But that’s not how I view it. Hasn’t Arsene Wenger already proven by now that he knows how to play the transfer market? If he valued Theo enough, wouldn’t he have already offered him the contract he’s asking for? If he believed that Theo was irreplaceable, I’m sure he wouldn’t have allowed this contract situation to arise.
Whilst I think the club made a mistake with RVP’s contract, that’s not how it feels in Theo’s case. You feel like the club are in more control here. Indeed, letting Theo go could raise some intriguing possibilities in the transfer market.
Which brings me to this talkSPORT story, that links the Gunners to Sevilla’s Spanish ace, Jesus Navas. The 26-year-old is very much a one club man. He’s made 350 appearances for the La Liga side, yet he’s shown some signs that he’s willing to move on:
“I’m happy at Sevilla but if an offer arrives, we’ll see. You always want to improve.”
He’s a fully-fledged Spanish International, who has earned himself a rather good reputation over the years. He’s incredibly pacey and direct, has great control and tricky feet and will chip in with extra goals. In some ways, he reminds me a little of Theo Walcott – if the Englishman had a real footballing brain.
He’d cost Arsenal a considerable sum, but I think he’d be a marked improvement over Theo. He’s just one of many players that Arsene Wenger must have lined up should the Walcott go wandering. Keep that in mind when the media start trying to panic up an Arsepocalypse this summer.
What’s your take? Will Theo Walcott be a big loss with Arsenal? Would Jesus Navas be a smart replacement?
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Theo would be a massive loss. He terrifies opponents with his pace. Of course he has a low completion to attempts (goals and crosses) rate. If he didn’t he would get four goals a game. All the speed merchants are the same. Theo has better stats than Gareth bale and we are told he is the best around !! Keep Theo at all costs, and he is a decent bloke.
A big loss is what you can not replace, so if Navas can replace Walcott, Arsenal have lost nothing but gain. Jesus Navas i thing is much more better than Walcott as a player.
I agree with every word you’ve written John Gee. Now here’s my point Why! oh why! oh why! do some fans keep having a go at Theo? To me i’m always relieved when he appears off the bench, and even more so when he starts, and he does score some very good goals, surely those blinkered fans can see that? or can they?
The lad has made it clear over and over again that he’s a true Gooner so pay him the cash Arsenal and let him get on with being just that very thing……
Navas is a better player in all aspects. pls check stats b4 comparing.
Fuck stats
This notion that Theo doesn’t have a “footballing brain” is rubbish. It’s just the Internet echo chamber in full effect. It was a comment made 3 or 4 years ago that’s been repeated ever since. Now every fan and blogger who fancies themselves an expert chalks up every Walcott move that doesn’t result in a goal as an example of his poor footballing brain. And when he does score or assist, they explain that away as the result of his “blistering pace.”
Also, as Wenger’s said a few weeks ago. Theo has improved his finishing a great deal. He has become very “clinical in front of goal” (to use Wenger’s words). In fact, Theo has scored more goals per minutes played this season than any other Arsenal player. It doesn’t matter how you cut it… include EPL games and Champions Leauge. Just include EPL. Include all competitions, etc. He has the highest rate of goals per minute.
Then add in last years full season stats, and it becomes hard to argue that he isn’t one of the top 3 or 4 wingers in the Leaugue.
Theo is a good player but grossly inconsistent.