There is always this pattern of communication with Arsene Wenger that when he says that he will not sell a player, the more likely the player will be sold in the transfer window. We have heard that when he talked about Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas, Robin Van Persie and now possibly, Theo Walcott.
When asked if Theo Walcott will be sold in January if he does not sign a new contract, Arsene Wenger answered with a flat NO. When I heard that, I realize that it is probably the beginning of the end for the player at the Emirates. Personally, I am very sure that if there is no contract in place by the end of December, Walcott will definitely be on his way out of the club. The only thing that would keep Walcott beyond that period without a contract is if he has signed a pre-contract with another club at a higher wage level because of the possibility of a free transfer in June. We did that with Sol Campbell and Marouane Chamakh so probably Theo would have learnt a thing or two from the boss.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not a big fan of Theo’s. I think he is a talented player but like most of the Arsenal players, is too inconsistent to be considered indispensable. However, I don’t think it would be a good idea to let him go in January because it would difficult to get another quality player in time to help this season’s causes. Of course, Arsene has already earmarked Walcott’s replacement but getting a new player would mean an adjustment period for the player. I just don’t think we can afford the luxury of the time to blend a critical new player into the squad.
Therefore, the best thing would be to get Theo to sign a new contract. Failing that is to let him go on a free transfer in June. That is what Arsene is saying now but given his history, I don’t think this will happen.
