Theo Walcott’s contract situation at Arsenal has become something of a bad joke. The wing wizard has never so much as hinted that he may have a future elsewhere than at the Emirates, but his actions (or lack of action) seem to suggest he’ll be playing his football at a different club next season.
Arsenal fans have seen it all happen before. Many times. Players whose hearts aren’t in it, who are content to run down their contracts and look for a big pay day elsewhere.
In recent times it’s happened to some of the Gunners’ best players. Big talents like Samir Nasri and Robin Van Persie. Whilst Theo isn’t up there with either of those players, he’s probably one of the best players Arsenal currently have in their roster.
Statistically speaking, he tends to provide the goods, even if he often coasts through games. Suffice to say, he’s a player that Arsenal will miss when he inevitably moves on at some stage over the course of the next year.
The only person who doesn’t seem to think that he’ll end up moving on, is Arsene Wenger. The Frenchman got rather upset when he was asked whether the Bradford City defeat would push Theo out the exit door: “I don’t understand your way of thinking. I cannot see that. How should the Capital One Cup impact on the desire of the player to be part of the long-term future of the club?”
Admittedly, that was a rather foolish line of questioning. When asked whether he thought Theo’s long-term future lay with Arsenal, Arsene responded: “I believe so, yes”. (Source: ESPN).
If that’s the case, why has absolutely zero progress been made over the last year in terms of contract? With the greatest respect, this is not Robin Van Persie we’re talking about. This is an inconsistent player who can provide the goods on his day. This is still a player who is yet to match his potential and prove that he’s the real deal. Arsenal shouldn’t be struggling to agree terms with a player like this.
Perhaps it’s a mark of how far Arsenal have fallen. Perhaps it’s time for the Gunners to give up on Theo and start exploring other options. Arsene Wenger must be fed up of his players putting his club over a barrel. I’d say it’s time to face the truth: Arsenal don’t hold the cards in transfer negotiations any longer.
What’s your take? Has Arsenal lost its ‘draw’ for players?
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If I was Theo and had 2 youngsters(Ox,Ryo) sure to play ahead of me in the next two seasons.I would not sign either. Go get more money and playing time somewhere else…..Only sensible
Henry, What it means is Arsenal do not believe he is worth 100k a week,and are not prepared to be blackmailed by Walcott or his agent. Whilst Walcott will get 100k elsewhere, that is his choice. Arsenal current policy will pay off in the long term. I believe another Premier League team will go the same way as Leeds, Portsmouth, and Glasgow Rangers , it will not be Arsenal! Whilst we the supporters are very frustrated, this will prove the best way forward for the club. apart from probably Messi, no one player is bigger than the club.
I believe Walcott should be £100k – £100k a year!!! Overrated and poor footballer
Walcott does not merit £100/week. We must not be sentiment of current happenings to becloud our sense of judgement to think that Walcott has become a real deat. After 7 years, he is yet to come good for the wage he demands.