Theo Walcott has been somewhat of a pariah at Arsenal lately due to his contract debacle. From being “expected to sign”, the English forward rejected an offer of 75,000 a week from Arsenal, with reports suggesting he wanted a contract of around 100,000 a week like many of his England teammates are receiving.

Since then he’s not started a game and has made only peripheral contributions off the bench, with the general consensus being that he would leave in January or in summer for free.

Striking aspirations

But an interview with British media saw Walcott reveal that his contract wrangle was “never about money” and had more to do with his desire to play as a centre-forward. He claimed he had offers to leave Arsenal but rejected them because he wanted to be an ‘Arsenal legend like Thierry Henry”. He seems to be saying all the things such a player would say, without, you know, signing a contract.

Of course, he was promised a chance at playing as a striker with his last contract, but that didn’t materialise. Theo is quoted as saying he’s “learned his trade as a right winger” and is now ready to move centrally. That’s been said for the last two or three seasons as well, and you have to assume that Wenger simply doesn’t see the Englishman as a striker.

Should he re-sign?

With his role at Arsenal becoming increasingly minor, it could be argued that Walcott should leave in search of any amount of playing time, regardless of position. Since joining as a bright prospect at the age of 16 the winger (note my usage of the term) hasn’t really lived up to his potential. Moments of brilliance have been too often outweighed by frustration, and at the age of 23 time for development is running out quickly.

With that said it’s best Arsenal keep their well-known players, for morale’s sake if nothing else. Let’s hope this is sorted one way or another soon, and Walcott either gives his best for Arsenal or leaves quietly.

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