Arsene Wenger remains unsure about the future of winger Theo Walcott, who is reportedly set to leave the club at the end of his contract.
Walcott was initially promised role as a central striker in order to get him on a new deal a year ago. He signed a three-year contract with the club, but the England international will feel that the promises have not been kept. He has not started any league match since the end of February, while he has been restricted to a few cameo appearances. Even though he has scored nine and assisted three more, Wenger still remains not convinced that Walcott can be a regular starter for the gunners.
Since the current situation will hurt the player’s chances of travelling with England for the Euro 2016, he is set to be hugely disappointed and even considering a move away from the Emirates stadium in the summer.
Arsenal will consider selling Walcott as opposed to letting him leave a few years later on a free transfer. At 27 years of age, he is at the peak of his resale value. After having signed him for just over £ 12 million, Arsenal cannot expect to get much more considering his position now. Walcott has never played for England at a major tournament despite his first inclusion in the World Cup squad as a teenager.
“I don’t know yet. I’m not in transfer mode at the moment but I think he has gone through a bad spell. He has responded very well, because he said: ‘OK, I will work harder and more.’ When he comes on now, you see he is motivated and focused. Let’s see how well he finishes the season. Of course. Tonight you have seen the team. You have the emergence of a guy like Iwobi. But the players that did not play [against West Brom]: Santi Cazorla, Mikel Arteta, and Mathieu Flamini. All these players will be frustrated, or the guys who go out will be frustrated,” said Wenger.
