Why Theo Walcott is Arsenal’s unlikeliest contract rebel

10:00 04/12/2013
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  • Arsenal have endured more than their fair share of contract issues in recent years, with the likes of Cesc Fabregas and, most recently, Robin Van Persie rejecting new deals at the Emirates Stadium in favour of pursuing pastures new.

    The exodus has both damaged Arsene Wenger’s team and enhanced those of rival clubs, resulting in diminished returns at home and abroad, and increased calls for a new approach in the dug-out.

    The latest player who thinks the grass might be greener is winger-cum-striker Theo Walcott, the 23-year-old enigma whose career has long flickered between inspired and insipid.

    The crux of his issue isn’t just money, apparently, but Walcott’s desire to play up front, an ambition that has been stymied by Wenger and a succession of England managers who think he’s most effective as a wide man – and one best deployed from the bench.

    But Arsenal legend Tony Adams is not only convinced that he will now walk away, but that he would be right to do so.

    “What incentive has [Theo] got?” he asked yesterday. “I don’t think it helps that he got a hat-trick in the week and then he’s on the bench at the weekend.

    “I’d like to see him up front but I’d also like to see Van Persie, Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas still at the club.”

    Arsene Wenger has described the contract situation as “urgent”, but also thinks that a deal will still be done – and that Walcott even has a point about playing through the middle.

    “I always said it is important that he plays in the right position and that certainly would be through the middle in the future,” he said, folling Tuesday night’s incredible League Cup tie against Reading, in which Walcott scored a hat-trick.

    “The positions on the flanks are changing, you need to do a lot of defending. He should be dedicated more to offensive work.”

    Surely the question needs to be asked at this juncture is: based on what evidence?

    Theo Walcott has talent and pace – but not necessarily in that order. He has never reached double figures in goals in a league campaign and only managed to be a regular starter last season, his sixth at Arsenal. Right now, it’s rather like Andrei Arshavin demanding special treatment.

    Andy Gray, veteran TV pundit, sums up the frustration felt by many observers.

    “His problem has always been kicking on from a good performance and enjoying a good spell of form,” he told the Tribal Football website.

    “I’m reluctant to say he will kick on from here… For him it’s all about getting form under his belt and getting a good run of form going. I think he needs to think of that before he thinks about playing football somewhere else.”

    Striker-light Liverpool are said to be monitoring the situation, but one wonders whether Rodgers’ side will suit him any more than Wenger’s.

    “The one thing he has lacked so far in his career has been consistency,” adds Gray. “And he has to put that into practice otherwise he’s just going to be another player who might have been a great player.”

    He certainly needs to do more if his departure, like that of Van Persie or Fabregas, is to leave a hole Arsenal fans would even notice.

     

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