Wenger & Walcott Give Latest On Contract Talks

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and contract rebel Theo Walcott gave the latest on the attackers contract situation following our 5-2 win over Reading on Monday night.

Theo was a surprise starter and was deployed in his favoured central striker role with Lukas Podolski and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the wings. I was excited when i saw the teams announced and after watching the trio together last night, I’m convinced this is our best front three.

I know it’s only one game against the league’s bottom side, but Walcott, Chamberlain and Podolski can be a lethal attacking threat if given a run of games together. Anyway, Theo put in an encouraging display up top and got a well deserved goal late on, cutting in on his left foot before cooly slotted home.

After the game he was predictably quizzed about his contract situation and Walcott confirmed that talks are ongoing and said he hopes something will be sorted out soon.

‘Talks are ongoing and it’s going to be a slow process. It’s taking a long time but hopefully something will happen soon.’ Walcott is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail

Fellow midfielder Jack Wilshere also confirmed he’s been trying to get his team-mate to commit to the club, saying:

‘I’ve been working all year on him, but that’s between Theo, his representatives and the boss but hopefully we can sign him up.

‘He showed he can do it up front and hopefully he can play there in the future.’ Wilshere is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail

Arsene Wenger was also asked for his opinion on Walcott’s future and the boss made it clear he wants the attacker to sign but insists it’s not just down to him, telling Sky Sports News:

“It is not my decision, it is Theo’s decision as well – if it is [only] my decision, it is quickly done.

“Theo has been educated at Southampton and Arsenal, where he has become a top-level player.

“I hope that when he considers his future he will think this is the best place for him and sign for us.

“I will just say our desire and will is clear, and Theo knows that. Hopefully we can get to a happy end with it.”

I have the feeling Theo wants to stay and I’m confident a deal will be signed. Is it down to money? Does he want more opportunities up front? Only a few people know the whole story but I just have a feeling Walcott will sign a new deal eventually. When, that’s anybody’s guess, but I hope he’s given a run up front over Christmas to see how he does and hopefully that will convince him to commit to the club.

What do you think, will Theo sign a new deal? Get involved in the comments section below.