What now for Walcott?

[LDG]

I do rate Walcott and think he is (not could be, is) an effective player but realistically I don't think he could do any better than Arsenal. I get the whole self-loathing 'we are shit' thing but when all is said and done, we are a top 8 club in Europe. He won't get more games at the above 7 teams.

Glad someone sees sense. You are of course, correct.

[Letters]

I can't comment. I'm a gooner.

I'd play for Arsenal for £20k per year.
I nearly swerved off the road when they offered me that.

[LDG]

I nearly swerved off the road when they offered me that.

Of course, I am 33, and lacking little bit sharpness, so I doubt they'd offer me that.

Ok. I'd take £20 per year. Final offer.

[Bergkampwonderland10]

Saw the April comment too - didn't get that. Yes surely by January he will need to be sold to highest bidder.
Funny story this, Wenger thinks that if he hasn't signed by April it will be hard to give him a new contract. I would have thought that if he hasn't decided to leave already he would have by January and will already be looking to sign a pre-contract agreement by then.

Wenger is so deluded, reminds me of the Flamini situation where he was convinced Flamini would sign all season and Flamini kicked dust in his face and said thanks for the memories but I'm off to Milan :lol:



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19633113

[Bergkampwonderland10]

At the end of the day, I'd prefer him to sit on the bench and come on as a sub until 'his people' decide for him what's best for 'him'. He can watch the Ox take his place and progress and can see that he's not the only option we have. I rate him and think he can always do a job for us when his confidence is high...but no way does he deserve to start any game until he shows his commitment to the club.
Pretty sure his dad is one of his advisors...am sure they are playing the 'English' card in negotiating a contract, but if he's turned down 75k a week at 23yrs old for the contribution he's made...have to say that offer is more than fair...if he suddenly scores more than 10 prem goals in a single season then maybe a add on a bonus or two.

[Power n Glory]

I do rate Walcott and think he is (not could be, is) an effective player but realistically I don't think he could do any better than Arsenal. I get the whole self-loathing 'we are shit' thing but when all is said and done, we are a top 8 club in Europe. He won't get more games at the above 7 teams.

But is it worth him staying here when you weigh up all the following:

- He's not developing as a player. A consensus shared by most Arsenal fans and pundits.
- He doesn't get credit for what he does on the wing. As seen with Hansen after that hat trick, fans will pick out the negatives and overlook the positives.
- Wenger seems reluctant to play him his natural position. If people say he's not good enough, what heck has Wenger been doing all these years?
- Wenger might not actually know what he's doing! Just look at project youth and how it's been abandoned.
- We're not winning any trophies and the longer the drought goes on the more pressure it puts on the players.
- He's always going to be under the spotlight here at Arsenal and it's worse now because he's a considered a senior player.
- We don't pay that well and even if we've offered Theo good money, why accept it when you have to consider all of the above?

[Kano]

Money is a factor but I don't think that's the issue and I don't think he's arrogant enough to think he's that good either. If you were in his shoes, what's the appeal of Arsenal and why stay here? That's a question for all in fact. Why should he sign a new contract? What's in it for him?

as syn said, he will struggle to do better than us at the moment and start games regularly.

sure, if it really is a dispute over his transition to striker then fair enough, i'd really respect him if he left and went somewhere else below to play as a striker. hard to see it happening though.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

he's hardly getting a sniff at the mo. think its the biggest indication he might be off, seems to have fallen down the pecking order. he must be pretty annoyed- asking to play as a striker for the past few years and we refuse. then we go and play gervinho there.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

What kind of short-term agreement was it they had?

Wenger: You stay for little bit and we won't play you.

Theo: Sure!

[Xhaka Can’t]

he's hardly getting a sniff at the mo. think its the biggest indication he might be off, seems to have fallen down the pecking order. he must be pretty annoyed- asking to play as a striker for the past few years and we refuse. then we go and play gervinho there.

Early days but, he must be even more annoyed that Gervinho is looking good and scoring there.

[Marc Overmars]

WUMger is getting him good.

I reckon Theo will leave if he hasn't signed a contract by January. I'd rather keep him but if it means we'll go after say, Jesus Navas, I'd be ok with that.

[Kano]

this was a bit worrying though


"but at the moment, I still hope to extend his contract so, at the moment, it doesn't affect me. Of course at some stage … if, in April, it's not done, you can think it will be difficult to do."

looking like a free then...

[Niall_Quinn]

What kind of short-term agreement was it they had?

Wenger: You stay for little bit and we won't play you.

Theo: Sure!

Suspect Walcott couldn't engineer a deal this summer. Some of the fans have already sussed this ****. I guess the club and whoever has his hand up Walcott's arse will play politics between now and January.

[Ollie the Optimist]

this was a bit worrying though


i dont know if it worries me, i think wenger is putting pressure on theo. no club will buy him and pay him high wages if he doesnt play all year. so wenger has just told him, im that fussed if you go but if you want that contract be it with us or someone else you are going to have play and train harder then ever or im not playing you.

looks like theo isnt doing that so wenger is just keeping him out

[Kano]

more worried about the april comment. i would hope a decision is made way before then.

[Xhaka Can’t]

more worried about the april comment. i would hope a decision is made way before then.

Yeah, it is hardly as if the clock is tick tick ticking with a deadline that far off.

And by which time, speculation could be at fever pitch as we head for the business end of the season.

If he does not sign by January - get rid.

[Ollie the Optimist]

more worried about the april comment. i would hope a decision is made way before then.

ah yes sorry i see your point now. yeah if not signed by the next window just get rid of him

[Kano]

@gb

exactly. if we are still pussy footing around in april waiting for a signature that would be another big mistake.

[Marc Overmars]

He's young, English and has a pedigree, you don't want to lose a player like this on a bosman, so a decision needs to be reached sooner rather than later. The worst thing that could happen is for him to agree a contract with another club in January, as he'll be free to talk to whoever he wants. Considering we spend what we earn, it's important to cash in on a player like this who isn't considered key.

[Niall_Quinn]

i dont know if it worries me, i think wenger is putting pressure on theo. no club will buy him and pay him high wages if he doesnt play all year. so wenger has just told him, im that fussed if you go but if you want that contract be it with us or someone else you are going to have play and train harder then ever or im not playing you.

looks like theo isnt doing that so wenger is just keeping him out

Quite right too. Better to have committed players on the pitch and leave those whose priorities are off the field off the field.

[Power n Glory]

as syn said, he will struggle to do better than us at the moment and start games regularly.

sure, if it really is a dispute over his transition to striker then fair enough, i'd really respect him if he left and went somewhere else below to play as a striker. hard to see it happening though.

Liverpool need a striker and in my opinion, he may need to take a step backwards to go forwards with this one. He needs to go to a manager that is going to develop him and at his age you might not find a manager that's willing to do that. What does he do? Continue to trust Wenger or move on?

[Kano]

we'll see his playing time, attitude and position over the next few months, so we'll get a clearer idea then.

[Xhaka Can’t]

Liverpool need a striker and in my opinion, he may need to take a step backwards to go forwards with this one. He needs to go to a manager that is going to develop him and at his age you might not find a manager that's willing to do that. What does he do? Continue to trust Wenger or move on?

He is with a manager who is amongst the best in the business at developing players. And his development is slow. His abilities are limited and he needs to take a step backwards if only to find his true level. Some desperate team like Liverpool may offer him the 6 figure salary he seems to want, but nobody else will.

[Power n Glory]

He is with a manager who is amongst the best in the business at developing players. And his development is slow. His abilities are limited and he needs to take a step backwards if only to find his true level. Some desperate team like Liverpool may offer him the 6 figure salary he seems to want, but nobody else will.

If he's limited and his development is slow, does it make any sense in him playing in such a technically demanding role? There are certain players Wenger hasn't been able to develop and if you're saying he's slow and limited, do you really think Wenger can get anything more out of him? Especially on the flanks?

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Funny story this, Wenger thinks that if he hasn't signed by April it will be hard to give him a new contract. I would have thought that if he hasn't decided to leave already he would have by January and will already be looking to sign a pre-contract agreement by then.

Wenger is so deluded, reminds me of the Flamini situation where he was convinced Flamini would sign all season and Flamini kicked dust in his face and said thanks for the memories but I'm off to Milan :lol:



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19633113

Not really, no Wenger is not dumb if enough to think Theo won't be sold if a deal has not been agreed by Jan, the board won't let him go for free. But AW is hardly going to say he will be sold in jan is he.

[selassie]

I reckon we'll get 10mill max for him in January, can't see anyway of him staying TBH. In some ways, Arsene giving him bench time will ease the loss of him, Theo is a very nice option to have in the squad but...if he wants his money then he needs to go elsewhere.

[fakeyank]

Is it really hard to put in a contract that states "You start with 75K/week this season and if you have x no. of assists and y no. of goals, your contract automatically goes into 100K/week next season and also compensates the difference in wages earned this season"? Am I missing something here?

Frankly I dont rate Theo a whole lot but some part of me still thinks he along with the other GHEL's could form a formidable back bone for our club in years to come.

[Bergkampwonderland10]

I reckon we'll get 10mill max for him in January, can't see anyway of him staying TBH. In some ways, Arsene giving him bench time will ease the loss of him, Theo is a very nice option to have in the squad but...if he wants his money then he needs to go elsewhere.

Yeah can't see anyone paying more than 10million either and it's looking very unlikely that he has any intention of signing a new contract with us. He'll talk to other clubs in Jan and discuss his 'signing-on' fee...probably pocket a good few million from that. Am sure he'll end up at Man City or Chelsea in Jan as a squad player or maybe Van Persie will put in a good word for him at United...
For anyone who thinks a footballer and their cronies are not motivated by money and it's just 'footballing reasons' then I'm afraid to say you are sadly deluded. This whole contract is about money...I don't think walcott himself is bright enough or arrogant enough to demand 100k a week but his agents and family are...and he chooses to listen to them.
I'll be pleasantly surprised if he signs with us...but if not, get as much as we can from his sale and move on.

[Power n Glory]

I don't think this issue boils down to money, but if it did, the club are being foolish and fans saying he's not worth £100k a week need their heads testing. If we're going to start talking about value and worth, we need to look at this logically and count the cost.

If it is true and Theo is holding out for £100k, just give it to him so we don't lose him on a free transfer. It's as simple as that. The difference between £75k a week and £100k is small for this club and we've wasted as much on players like Park in a year.

On £75k a week we spend £3.9m in a year. £100k we spend £5.2m. Give him the money for goodness sakes. If we're not happy, sell him for £15-£20m. That's common sense. Losing him on a free it's plain stupid and we recoup nothing. If we're going to talk about what he's worth, consider the above.

[Niall_Quinn]

He won't be allowed to go on a free, that's for sure. He'll be off in January if no agreement can be reached. I can see the logic of paying him in terms of the illogical world of football, but it might also be better to let him go and get a replacement in January. Doubt it will be entirely a money issue with Wenger. Maybe he doesn't see Walcott as part of the long term plan. Maybe he's finally learned his lesson regarding players, their motivation and attitude. If the RvC thing fucked us off and sent out huge signals then it will be multiplied tenfold for Wenger. In the end, if Walcott isn't chomping at the bit to play for the club or will only do so with reservations then get rid of him and get somebody in who's keen. Knowing Arsenal they probably have a cheaper (and who's not to say better) alternative lined up. Save money, get a more consistent performer, might be the better way to go anyway. The problem will come if nobody wants Walcott. Can't see why Chelsea or City would want him, he's not really Fergie's type. That leaves Liverpool and (it wouldn't at all surprise me) the spuds. That's risking non-CL football. Walcott may find that the only clubs out there who agree with the valuation he's placed on himself, in terms of money and ability, are not going to be good for him in the long run. Maybe Wenger senses this too. RvC had a strong hand. I don't see the same for Walcott, not unless he gets on the pitch between now and January and puts in a consistent showing. Which is the whole problem with him really and the reason he's not getting what he wants.

[Xhaka Can’t]

I don't think this issue boils down to money, but if it did, the club are being foolish and fans saying he's not worth £100k a week need their heads testing. If we're going to start talking about value and worth, we need to look at this logically and count the cost.

If it is true and Theo is holding out for £100k, just give it to him so we don't lose him on a free transfer. It's as simple as that. The difference between £75k a week and £100k is small for this club and we've wasted as much on players like Park in a year.

On £75k a week we spend £3.9m in a year. £100k we spend £5.2m. Give him the money for goodness sakes. If we're not happy, sell him for £15-£20m. That's common sense. Losing him on a free it's plain stupid and we recoup nothing. If we're going to talk about what he's worth, consider the above.

I understand the logic of what you are saying. However if we were to offer him a contract in excess of his worth we would find it very difficult to transfer him to other Clubs.

This is why we have so Many players we no longer want, out on loan.

Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2

[Syn]

I'm happy with the sub-role he's playing at the moment. Theo is a kebab that'll save the day on a night out but you don't want it as a main meal. You want grease as the main dish. I don't think Theo can play in a team that tries to play pretty football. 'Try' being the operative word but we are looking a bit sexier than we have in previous seasons. The couple of new replacements have given us more shape. We're filling out a bit better these days no doubt. Gervinho is a bit gay but his close control has always been more solid. Ultimately though, when it comes to finishing, Gervinho is not even in the same league as Theo. But when you are trying to walk it in, it's less of a problem.

[Marc Overmars]

I don't think we'd have a shortage of takers for Theo, he's got a much higher profile than some of the shit we're stuck with like Denilson and Bendtner. This is why I would personally give him the contract he wants because he will still have a sell on value.

[Power n Glory]

He won't be allowed to go on a free, that's for sure. He'll be off in January if no agreement can be reached. I can see the logic of paying him in terms of the illogical world of football, but it might also be better to let him go and get a replacement in January. Doubt it will be entirely a money issue with Wenger. Maybe he doesn't see Walcott as part of the long term plan. Maybe he's finally learned his lesson regarding players, their motivation and attitude. If the RvC thing fucked us off and sent out huge signals then it will be multiplied tenfold for Wenger. In the end, if Walcott isn't chomping at the bit to play for the club or will only do so with reservations then get rid of him and get somebody in who's keen. Knowing Arsenal they probably have a cheaper (and who's not to say better) alternative lined up. Save money, get a more consistent performer, might be the better way to go anyway. The problem will come if nobody wants Walcott. Can't see why Chelsea or City would want him, he's not really Fergie's type. That leaves Liverpool and (it wouldn't at all surprise me) the spuds. That's risking non-CL football. Walcott may find that the only clubs out there who agree with the valuation he's placed on himself, in terms of money and ability, are not going to be good for him in the long run. Maybe Wenger senses this too. RvC had a strong hand. I don't see the same for Walcott, not unless he gets on the pitch between now and January and puts in a consistent showing. Which is the whole problem with him really and the reason he's not getting what he wants.

Selling him in January and hoping to get a replacement is still a silly decision. For starters, we won't find many clubs willing to pay over £10m for a cup tied player with less than a year left on his contract. I don't even think City or United are that stupid and those guys don't need him. We'll be lucky to get £10m for him. In fact, we'll be luckily to get any bids because everyone will know that he can sign a agreement with them in January and then move in the summer for free.

As for getting a replacement that's better. Will they be able to adapt with no pre season training and jump straight into our squad? Can we find anyone that won't be cup tied and has the right quality? Talking of quality, the type of player we're looking for will probably cost us £10m+, will take home a minimum of £50k a week…when you weigh that all up, we might as well just give Theo the money. As said, we'll be lucky to get over £10m for him and then it makes no sense to go out and then spend that money plus extra on a player that won't be ready until next season.

[selassie]

I don't think we'd have a shortage of takers for Theo, he's got a much higher profile than some of the shit we're stuck with like Denilson and Bendtner. This is why I would personally give him the contract he wants because he will still have a sell on value.

I agree but...I don't think the likes of Chelsea or City or even Liverpool will move mountains for him if he extends his contract on a 100K per wage. Hypothetically, Theo on a 2 or 3 year contract is probably worth 20-25mill given English tax and all that, at present with his contract running down he's worth what 10mill which is relatively loose change and the going rate for a sub/squad player at either Chelsea or City.

I don't for one minute think either Chelsea or City would be prepared to pay a premium for essentially another "English Mascot" to fill there quota so IMHO Theo either gets sold now as in the January window or he stays long term.

I do see both sides to this argument but ultimately Theo is being very badly advised IMHO, if he makes the wrong move it could wreck his career.

[Power n Glory]

I agree but...I don't think the likes of Chelsea or City or even Liverpool will move mountains for him if he extends his contract on a 100K per wage. Hypothetically, Theo on a 2 or 3 year contract is probably worth 20-25mill given English tax and all that, at present with his contract running down he's worth what 10mill which is relatively loose change and the going rate for a sub/squad player at either Chelsea or City.

I don't for one minute think either Chelsea or City would be prepared to pay a premium for essentially another "English Mascot" to fill there quota so IMHO Theo either gets sold now as in the January window or he stays long term.

I do see both sides to this argument but ultimately Theo is being very badly advised IMHO, if he makes the wrong move it could wreck his career.

His career isn't looking too hot while here with Arsenal. I think he's fucked either way.

[Niall_Quinn]

Selling him in January and hoping to get a replacement is still a silly decision. For starters, we won't find many clubs willing to pay over £10m for a cup tied player with less than a year left on his contract. I don't even think City or United are that stupid and those guys don't need him. We'll be lucky to get £10m for him. In fact, we'll be luckily to get any bids because everyone will know that he can sign a agreement with them in January and then move in the summer for free.

As for getting a replacement that's better. Will they be able to adapt with no pre season training and jump straight into our squad? Can we find anyone that won't be cup tied and has the right quality? Talking of quality, the type of player we're looking for will probably cost us £10m+, will take home a minimum of £50k a week…when you weigh that all up, we might as well just give Theo the money. As said, we'll be lucky to get over £10m for him and then it makes no sense to go out and then spend that money plus extra on a player that won't be ready until next season.

Whether a silly decision or not, you won't see our board letting him walk on a free. The price touted in this windows was £11mill so I can't see it being more than half that in January, but they'll want the cash anyway. A player swap is another possibility, under those terms City and Chelsea might be back in the picture but Walcott would be an absolute fool to go to either place if he's serious about his career. I agree, he's fucked either way. Somebody has advised him he has enough stock to play this game, but he doesn't. His best move would be to sack his agent and denounce his parents. It's awful when grubby outsiders who can't do the job themselves exploit somebody who can - especially if it's the parents FFS! Anelka again, except Anelka was much more talented and so in a much better situation than Walcott. Perhaps his best move would be to knuckle down and add some consistency to his game. Then he'd start accumulating the power he mistakenly thinks he already has. I don't know what the fans in general think but a lot of people here couldn't seem to give a shit either way if he goes or stays, myself included. That says a lot about the true worth of Walcott. He'd be smart to pay attention.

[Niall_Quinn]

His career isn't looking too hot while here with Arsenal. I think he's fucked either way.

His career at Arsenal has put him in the national team and seen him on the European stage year after year. He's had the stage, he just hasn't lived up to the billing. Isn't this the real truth about Theo Walcott?

[SayNoMore]

Not Theos biggest fan, but he really is an asset that we cant afford to 'gift' to any premier league team. Keep him or shift him abroad. If he stays in england he stays at arsenal, will be a huge mistake to sell him to a team that will play to his strengths.

[GP]

His career isn't looking too hot while here with Arsenal.

It'll be as hot as he's willing to make it, regardless of where he's playing.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Play him as striker till Jan if he does well and his happy give him a new deal if he is does bad and is sulking over a deal, sell him in Jan and buy Navas tbh.

[GP]

It's clear his best position is coming in from the right anyway.

[Power n Glory]

Whether a silly decision or not, you won't see our board letting him walk on a free. The price touted in this windows was £11mill so I can't see it being more than half that in January, but they'll want the cash anyway. A player swap is another possibility, under those terms City and Chelsea might be back in the picture but Walcott would be an absolute fool to go to either place if he's serious about his career. I agree, he's fucked either way. Somebody has advised him he has enough stock to play this game, but he doesn't. His best move would be to sack his agent and denounce his parents. It's awful when grubby outsiders who can't do the job themselves exploit somebody who can - especially if it's the parents FFS! Anelka again, except Anelka was much more talented and so in a much better situation than Walcott. Perhaps his best move would be to knuckle down and add some consistency to his game. Then he'd start accumulating the power he mistakenly thinks he already has. I don't know what the fans in general think but a lot of people here couldn't seem to give a shit either way if he goes or stays, myself included. That says a lot about the true worth of Walcott. He'd be smart to pay attention.


His career at Arsenal has put him in the national team and seen him on the European stage year after year. He's had the stage, he just hasn't lived up to the billing. Isn't this the real truth about Theo Walcott?

We've already discussed this but this is where our opinions on player development are completely different. A key thing SayNoMore states about Theo is playing to his strengths. We're not doing that. You can't expect this guy to learn how to dribble at this stage in his career. Wenger of all people should know this. You learn that side of the game before you turn professional. It's a point he kept stressing when he first arrived in England and spoke of English players and their lack of technical ability. He put his words into practice with his youth development programme and started young with Wilshere and co. Theo won't ever be the type of winger you're expecting him to be. He's no good at taking players on. His dribbling won't ever get to that Gervinho level regardless of how much he practices.

That's the way the game is when it comes to developing that sort of technique. But we should be playing him to his strengths because he's extremely effective and it shows in his goals and assists. I get the feeling this is another one of Wenger's stubborn streaks. Most managers can make use of a players limited abilities but Wenger seems obsessed with trying to improve a weakness that he should know is almost impossible to improve. Take Frank Lampard as an example. This guys is limited but he works hard, has a good shot on him and knows when to arrive late in the box to pop shots off. Most managers know how to make use of that type of player and won't attempt to turn him into a Cesc playmaker type or encourage him to make runs on the ball and attempt tricky turns like Diaby does. What Wenger is doing with Theo seems extreme and you and a lot of fans are laying a lot of it on Theo as if it's case of him needing to knuckle down and try harder. You need to remember that he started here when he was 16 in a position he's not used to.

Any other player would have cracked by now and been utterly useless. Mentally they'd have been all over the place and shot of confidence. We've seen it before in players like Eboue, Arshavin and Vela. But Theo still pops up to get the vital goals and assists and is able to turn games around when he's on it. After all the criticism, he still gets on with it. He's mentally strong in that sense which hardly gets credited when you consider the countless other youth failures. Forget just youth players. Just look how Giroud looks a little low on confidence already or Chamakh for example. Theo has had way more on shoulders compared to these guys but he never looks like a dejected figure on the pitch even when he's having a stinker.

Wenger keeps saying his future is as a striker, but when will he move him there? What else has he got to learn before he gets a try? If Wenger won't play him there after all this then he needs to move on. It's down to the coach to teach him and develop him. You can't say it's a lack of effort from Theo. Like Denilson, Ramsey, Eboue and Vela, I think Wenger his having one of his blind spot stubborn moments. If he knows what he's doing with Walcott, then surely we can't afford to lose him now? Not after all the work he's put in?

[Power n Glory]

It's clear his best position is coming in from the right anyway.

In from the right where he's always on his weaker foot if in on goal? Most goal scoring wingers play so they can cut in on their preferred shooting foot. Messi, Robben, Pires, Overmars….if Wenger is developing him in the same way as Henry, Henry would play on the left and was used to drifting out to the wide left when playing for us and cutting in.

Theo has really played anywhere else for anyone to form a solid opinion on what his best position is.

[LDG]

In from the right where he's always on his weaker foot if in on goal? Most goal scoring wingers play so they can cut in on their preferred shooting foot. Messi, Robben, Pires, Overmars….if Wenger is developing him in the same way as Henry, Henry would play on the left and was used to drifting out to the wide left when playing for us and cutting in.

Theo has really played anywhere else for anyone to form a solid opinion on what his best position is.

Coming in from the right, the same way Freddy used to is what GP means. It takes the full back out of the game, and fucks the CB pairing up.

[GP]

Coming in from the right, the same way Freddy used to is what GP means. It takes the full back out of the game, and fucks the CB pairing up.

Pretty much. Freddie wasn't full of tricks, nor was he really quick. His biggest asset was that he was smart as fuck, He always knew when to make that run.

Theo is not Thierry Henry, and trying to mould him in the same way is fucking pointless.

[LDG]

Yeah, bit like the Gervinho goal against Soton where he made the run accross the fullback, Arteta slotted him in, and the rest as they say, was pure forehead fluke...

[Marc Overmars]

Theo is the last one standing from the failed project youth.

[Power n Glory]

Pretty much. Freddie wasn't full of tricks, nor was he really quick. His biggest asset was that he was smart as fuck, He always knew when to make that run.

Theo is not Thierry Henry, and trying to mould him in the same way is fucking pointless.

Theo is smart with his off the ball movement but the one thing you have to remember is that we had Dennis dropping deep and playing sneaky passes through and that distracted defenders making space between the full back and centre back. We don't have that sort of system anymore and teams tend to sit deep so there isn't much sort of space anymore. We used to have a team where Bergkamp, Pires, Henry, Cole, Vieira…they could all spot the runs and provide the pass, we don't have that anymore.

Also, another player worth mentioning who was originally a striker but Wenger played on the wing…Wiltord. He got the goals but could be frustrating to watch. He hated it on the flanks. Did he leave on a free as well?

[LDG]

Theo is the last one standing from the failed project youth.

And Gibbs.

Wilshere is kind of standing...I guess....:pray:

[Özim]

Theo is the last one standing from the failed project youth.
I can remember when commentators and pundits were milking themselves about how good our youth players were, some of them seemed to be decent when they were younger, it's sad to see so few actually made an impact.

[LDG]

Theo is smart with his off the ball movement but the one thing you have to remember is that we had Dennis dropping deep and playing sneaky passes through and that distracted defenders making space between the full back and centre back. We don't have that sort of system anymore and teams tend to sit deep so there isn't much sort of space anymore. We used to have a team where Bergkamp, Pires, Henry, Cole, Vieira…they could all spot the runs and provide the pass, we don't have that anymore.

Also, another player worth mentioning who was originally a striker but Wenger played on the wing…Wiltord. He got the goals but could be frustrating to watch. He hated it on the flanks. Did he leave on a free as well?

Theo could be much more effective in the current formation, if we continue to play 6 accross the midfield. It gave Gervinho so much space against Soton, and Cazorla / Arteta are more than capable of expoiting the space.

Be interesting to see how we play Vs City.

[Bergkampwonderland10]

Unfortunately that's not up to us. He can speak to whoever he wants in Jan, sign a pre-contract if he wants and by the summer he's a free agent...he doesn't have to go anywhere, he can just see out his contract.
Am pretty sure that RvP's departure has made Theo want to leave. Van Persie's public criticism of the club's direction and probably his private criticism to Walcott himself will have got both Walcott and his advisors looking for a new club. The fact that Wenger said they'd come to some 'short-term' agreement said it all...he's off in January is one of Chelsea, Man City or United come in for him or for free in the summer.


Not Theos biggest fan, but he really is an asset that we cant afford to 'gift' to any premier league team. Keep him or shift him abroad. If he stays in england he stays at arsenal, will be a huge mistake to sell him to a team that will play to his strengths.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

I can remember when commentators and pundits were milking themselves about how good our youth players were, some of them seemed to be decent when they were younger, it's sad to see so few actually made an impact.

Yeah but those days, we had a world class 1st team so it was easy to look to the future.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Unfortunately that's not up to us. He can speak to whoever he wants in Jan, sign a pre-contract if he wants and by the summer he's a free agent...he doesn't have to go anywhere, he can just see out his contract.
Am pretty sure that RvP's departure has made Theo want to leave. Van Persie's public criticism of the club's direction and probably his private criticism to Walcott himself will have got both Walcott and his advisors looking for a new club. The fact that Wenger said they'd come to some 'short-term' agreement said it all...he's off in January is one of Chelsea, Man City or United come in for him or for free in the summer.

yeah unfortunately im coming to this conclusion too. if he wanted to sign he would have signed by now. to let theo go into the last year of his contract was pure madness imo, we could have got £10m for him but now we're probably getting nothing. for a so called 'self-sustainable model' that's criminal. management using the same old tricks and hoping the player stays loyal but ive got a funny feeling it'll be the flamini situation all over. the problem with theo is he hasn't developed at the rate we expected and i think that's made wenger more hesistant to play him up top. had he become a decent, bulky winger with bags of confidence i think wenger would have no qualms about playing him up top. but he hasnt and wenger is stuck between two minds- almost as if he's questioning when to actually start playing theo as a striker. is he technical enough yet? shall i give it another year? what if i move him to soon and it crushes him? huge dilemma.

another huge problem is that he hasnt developed technically which causes a problem in our very technical team. it puts a lot of pressure on him to succeed as a forward because if he doesnt, he's surplus to requirements at all levels. i think wenger made a huge mistake not giving him more game time through the middle over the past few years because the pressure has built constantly and it seems we're at a breaking point. the kid wanted to play there from the start and we should have experimented earlier, but that's easy to say with hindsight. i also think he's majorly fucked off at the fact we constantly dismantle a squad because it gives him little continuity when it comes to building understanding. it took years for him to build an understanding with rvp then when it finally came good, he fucked off. the good thing about theo is that he has time on his side so hopefully he wont make a rash decision.

[Joker]

It's true that Wenger hasn't helped Walcott's development by continually playing him out of position. I know he says this is to ensure players are well rounded, but it doesn't appear that playing Walcott in that position is temporary. If it was, he'd have become a striker at least 2 years ago. Walcott hasn't actually been given much of a chance upfront either, which is disappointing. Sometimes, it's better to accept that players are limited and no matter how often you play them in an unfamiliar position, they won't develop the skills you want them to. The same thing happened with Bendtner, Denilson, Eboue, Diaby. All these players were put in positions that didn't suit them, and all that happened was that the team suffered, and nor did we see any noticeable improvement in technique. Wenger should either sell Walcott if he feels he hasn't developed technically to a level he expects, or he should bite the bullet and play him in his favoured position. For the last few years he's said Walcott is very close to becoming a striker. If that's the truth, he should stop fobbing Theo off and give him his chance.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

problem is with every year that passes our trophy-less run continues and more pressure builds on the squad. this provides less of an opportunity for wenger to experiment playing walcott up front because we cant give him 3 months to see if he's a success, we need instant success.

[Kano]

It's true that Wenger hasn't helped Walcott's development by continually playing him out of position. I know he says this is to ensure players are well rounded, but it doesn't appear that playing Walcott in that position is temporary. If it was, he'd have become a striker at least 2 years ago. Walcott hasn't actually been given much of a chance upfront either, which is disappointing. Sometimes, it's better to accept that players are limited and no matter how often you play them in an unfamiliar position, they won't develop the skills you want them to. The same thing happened with Bendtner, Denilson, Eboue, Diaby. All these players were put in positions that didn't suit them, and all that happened was that the team suffered, and nor did we see any noticeable improvement in technique. Wenger should either sell Walcott if he feels he hasn't developed technically to a level he expects, or he should bite the bullet and play him in his favoured position. For the last few years he's said Walcott is very close to becoming a striker. If that's the truth, he should stop fobbing Theo off and give him his chance.
i think he has helped his development, as a place upfront from the beginning would not have suited him. he has learnt more out wide than he would have being put upfront from the start. he was one of the most productive wingers in the league last season which demonstrates the progression he has made. long term he doesn't want to play there but there is no doubt about his effectiveness out wide now.

[7sam]

Even if Theo leaves tomorrow you think any manager will play him in another position than the one he's good at? I sympathy with Wenger's, Theo did not develope to a short distance dribbler, he is no good at heading goals, did not develope a physical precense so I really don't see him playing the striker's role.

As a fan, I would love to see Theo playing every match and simply I don't care if he goes for free next season, the greedy board will eat the money anyway, so why to bother. I would also loved RVP staying this season even if he goes for free.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Even if Theo leaves tomorrow you think any manager will play him in another position than the one he's good at? I sympathy with Wenger's, Theo did not develope to a short distance dribbler, he is no good at heading goals, did not develope a physical precense so I really don't see him playing the striker's role.

As a fan, I would love to see Theo playing every match and simply I don't care if he goes for free next season, the greedy board will eat the money anyway, so why to bother. I would also loved RVP staying this season even if he goes for free.

No.

[Fist of Lehmann]

Which one is he good at?

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Which one is he good at?

Well yestersday he showed he was good at.........

[Cripps_orig]

Did well when he came on

Bringing him on kept the City defence back instead of them attacking as they looked for a winner cos they were shit scared of his pace.

[Ollie the Optimist]

Did well when he came on

Bringing him on kept the City defence back instead of them attacking as they looked for a winner cos they were shit scared of his pace.

he did well? really?

he was shit and you know it. didnt put a decent cross in, didnt take anyone one when there was space behind, had poor control and fucked up some simple passes.

if thats doing well then we're fucked

[Cripps_orig]

:doh:

That is all

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Did well when he came on

Bringing him on kept the City defence back instead of them attacking as they looked for a winner cos they were shit scared of his pace.

Well.......

[Ollie the Optimist]

reports going round that theo has said that the delay in the contract is not about money, its about where he plays. he said he rejected offers in teh summer from others to stay and he wants to become a legend here.


well the best way to start to become a legend is to commit your long term future to us without fucking about on a contract. otherwise that shows exactly what you want. you want to become a legend here but only if they pay you 100k a week

[Cripps_orig]

links?

[Ollie the Optimist]

people were talking about it on twitter. no idea where they got it from

[Cripps_orig]

So its bull

Fair enough

[Ollie the Optimist]

So its bull

Fair enough


thats why i said reports going round, not 100% taht he said. though on further search its supposed to have come from an itv journalist so check itv.com later

[Ollie the Optimist]

So its bull

Fair enough

and you are wrong. again


Theo Walcott has insisted he wants to stay at Arsenal, and stated that the delay over a new contract has not been down to money but "football reasons".


PA Photos
Theo Walcott has had limited involvement for Arsenal so far this season
• Wenger on Walcott future

Walcott, 23, is in the final year of his contract and Arsene Wenger has suggested he could be offloaded in January if the situation is not resolved.

However, the forward has stressed that he does not want to leave the club and reiterated that he still aims to become a "club legend" like Thierry Henry.

"It's a slow process," Walcott said. "My last contract took over six months to happen. Hopefully it can be sorted out.

"I've never said I wanted to go, I've always wanted to stay. I want to be an Arsenal legend. Thierry joined the club when he was 22 and I want to become an Arsenal legend like him, playing up front as well, which is a big factor for me. I've played on the right wing and had the opportunity to play up front a bit more so I think it's about time.

"That speculation on the money side of it has never been me. That's not me. I'm not the sort of person who's influenced by money. I always make my decisions based on football and only football. Hopefully something can be sorted out. I'll just wait for the club to get back to us now and go from there.

"It's one of those things that happens in the game. If it comes to it, if the club had to sell me, I'd be disappointed but, like I said, hopefully something can be sorted."

Walcott was speaking to publicise the Mars Just Play initiative http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1170185/theo-walcott-still-hopeful-he-will-stay-at-arsenal?cc=5739

[Cripps_orig]

In that case, theres only one thing to say

NQ :haha:

Still think Theos all about the money?

Another shocker from NQ to go with his breakdown yesterday

[Ollie the Optimist]

In that case, theres only one thing to say

NQ :haha:

Still think Theos all about the money?

Another shocker from NQ to go with his breakdown yesterday

if its not about hte money then why hasnt he signed? the best way to become a legend at a club is to commit to it not get 3 months away from ebing able to sign for another club for free

[Olivier's xmas twist]

well the best way to start to become a legend is to commit your long term future to us without fucking about on a contract. otherwise that shows exactly what you want. you want to become a legend here but only if they pay you 100k a week

What is a legend this days. Players don't stay at clubs long enough to be legends. Even if this is true, then Theo will be off in Jan, i mean can you see AW playing him where he wants.

[Ollie the Optimist]

what is a legend this days. Players don't stay at clubs long enough to be legends. Even if this is true, then Theo will be off in Jan, i mean can you see AW playing him where he wants.


no but my point is, if you say yo uwant to stay and be a legend etc, then show it by signing a deal. dont talk the talk but dont walk the walk

[Cripps_orig]

Maybe he wants to see where the club is heading, maybe he wants reassurances from Wenger that he wont sell Cazorla and Podolski next summer etc

Fuck knows

Theres more to contracts than money

[Olivier's xmas twist]

no but my point is, if you say yo uwant to stay and be a legend etc, then show it by signing a deal. dont talk the talk but dont walk the walk

Theo Signing a deal won't make him a legend, he'd have a lot more to prove then that.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Maybe he wants to see where the club is heading, maybe he wants reassurances from Wenger that he wont sell Cazorla and Podolski next summer etc

Fuck knows

Theres more to contracts than money


This

[Xhaka Can’t]

I really don't care why or if he signs another contract. The only thing that concerns me is the likely effect an unresolved situation could have on us when we approach the business end of the season and there is greater pressure on our ability and need to get results.

If the situation is unresolved by January then he has to be out the door.

[Ollie the Optimist]

Theo Signing a deal won't make him a legend, he'd have a lot more to prove then that.

obviosuly, but to be able to do a lot more and become a legend you have to play for us first. so signing a contract is the first step to that.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

he did well? really?

he was shit and you know it. didnt put a decent cross in, didnt take anyone one when there was space behind, had poor control and fucked up some simple passes.

if thats doing well then we're fucked

i thought it was a good sub purely based on tactical reasons. as ach says, it pushed their defence back and kept their full-backs pinned into their own half. sometimes the presence of a player is enough to scare the opposition into submission. i agree that he didn't do much but everytime he got the ball they had 3 players around him. that left space on the other flank.

[Cripps_orig]

i thought it was a good sub purely based on tactical reasons. as ach says, it pushed their defence back and kept their full-backs pinned into their own half. sometimes the presence of a player is enough to scare the opposition into submission. i agree that he didn't do much but everytime he got the ball they had 3 players around him. that left space on the other flank.
But he didnt score 40 goals and assist 20 others in the few minutes he was on so must be shit

[Xhaka Can’t]

But he didnt score 40 goals and assist 20 others in the few minutes he was on so must be shit

I can't believe Charlie said that.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

But he didnt score 40 goals and assist 20 others in the few minutes he was on so must be shit

Ach, you need to consider who it is that are slagging him off.

[Cripps_orig]

I can't believe Charlie said that.

Never said he said that

[Cripps_orig]

Ach, you need to consider who it is that are slagging him off.

You make a good point and i never take anything Ollie or Charlie say seriously cos they dont know what they are talking about usually but its a slow day and im bored.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

You make a good point and i never take anything Ollie or Charlie say seriously cos they dont know what they are talking about usually but its a slow day and im bored.

Ballman's wumming. Only the thick-as-fuck resort to it.

[Power n Glory]

Once again he mentions playing up front. We'll see what Wenger does for the Carling Cup.

[Cripps_orig]

He'll play one up top which will be Giroud against a lower league shite team where we can play whatever formation we want and we'll still beat them

[Maestro]

we really don't have a natural top quality front man, the weakest position in our current set IMHO especially with The Pod seemingly more comfortable coming in from the left. Giroud is yet to score and find form, Gervinho is ...well Gervinho

In light of this I don't think Theo could do a lot worse up front, in fact I think he'll score a lot of goals in this team especially playing in front of Carzola in tandem with Podolski. He may not be pretty to look at ala Thierry on the ball but I think he will finish his share of goals. If Gervinho and Giroud can be given a crack at it, then I think it's fair to try Theo and see what happens ..now rather than later.

I am not Walcott's biggest fan by any means, but I just think this might work

[Dennis Bendtner]

It's simplistic, but I really think if Wenger thought much of Walcott as a central attacker, he'd have done it by now. The opportunity was been there many seasons back when Wenger last tried two central strikers, but Wenger didn't take it. This 4-6-0 with Gervinho central has transpired, and clearly Wenger sees something in Gervinho to trust him there over Walcott. He's been at Arsenal six years and what I've heard is the odd throwaway from Wenger about his future being through the middle, but most comments comparing him to Wiltord or Freddie Ljungberg. In the other top teams, he would have the same role as a supporting attacker from wide (chelsea, Man City). Ultimately what you would say is, he's probably maxed out as a supporting attacker (solid goal return but inconsistent displays are probably the limit), Wenger doesn't see any point in paying big for that limit and wants him out. He could go to a lower team and get right on the big man little man get it in the mixer thing. Go and join Crouchie at Stoke. Not at Arsenal.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Ach, you need to consider who it is that are slagging him off.


You make a good point and i never take anything Ollie or Charlie say seriously cos they dont know what they are talking about usually but its a slow day and im bored.

WTF you on about show me where i slagged him off today.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

I can't believe Charlie said that.

Can't believe i said that without even typing it.

[Syn]

we really don't have a natural top quality front man, the weakest position in our current set IMHO especially with The Pod seemingly more comfortable coming in from the left. Giroud is yet to score and find form, Gervinho is ...well Gervinho

In light of this I don't think Theo could do a lot worse up front, in fact I think he'll score a lot of goals in this team especially playing in front of Carzola in tandem with Podolski. He may not be pretty to look at ala Thierry on the ball but I think he will finish his share of goals. If Gervinho and Giroud can be given a crack at it, then I think it's fair to try Theo and see what happens ..now rather than later.

I am not Walcott's biggest fan by any means, but I just think this might work

He'd get goals. I think Theo, anywhere, will get goals. I have little doubt about that because he is a good finisher. Probably on the Podolski level.

But fans (not you specifically, just 'us') are too simplistic with our solutions. We defend reasonably well against Man City and we didn't win, therefore we need more goals, therefore we need a better finisher, therefore Theo should play. It's the forwards job to score goals, it's the defenders/GK's job to keep clean sheets, and that's all there is to it. That's not how it works. In reality the only stat that matters it how many the team score and how many they concede. I don't like Gervinho. At all. But he offers more on the defensive side and, particularly, with retaining the ball...so he's a better player in terms of keeping the opposition out. In starting Walcott there is no guarantee we could've kept Man City down to the one even if Theo is then putting the ball in the back of the net from Ramsey's chance.

In terms of central forwards, I see Theo and Gerv equally frustrating as 'no.9' prospects but both on opposite ends in terms of their weaknesses. What's more frustrating is that there are probably affordable players that can offer the good bits of Theo along with the good bits of Gerv.

[Cripps_orig]

WTF you on about show me where i slagged him off today.

Never said it had to be today

[Olivier's xmas twist]

He'd get goals. I think Theo, anywhere, will get goals. I have little doubt about that because he is a good finisher. Probably on the Podolski level.

But fans (not you specifically, just 'us') are too simplistic with our solutions. We defend reasonably well against Man City and we didn't win, therefore we need more goals, therefore we need a better finisher, therefore Theo should play. It's the forwards job to score goals, it's the defenders/GK's job to keep clean sheets, and that's all there is to it. That's not how it works. In reality the only stat that matters it how many the team score and how many they concede. I don't like Gervinho. At all. But he offers more on the defensive side and, particularly, with retaining the ball...so he's a better player in terms of keeping the opposition out. In starting Walcott there is no guarantee we could've kept Man City down to the one even if Theo is then putting the ball in the back of the net from Ramsey's chance.

In terms of central forwards, I see Theo and Gerv equally frustrating as 'no.9' prospects but both on opposite ends in terms of their weaknesses. What's more frustrating is that there are probably affordable players that can offer the good bits of Theo along with the good bits of Gerv.

:gp:

Top post as usual Syn.

[Ollie the Optimist]

Ach, you need to consider who it is that are slagging him off.


remind me what you said about jenkinson ever since we signed him?

[Olivier's xmas twist]

remind me what you said about jenkinson ever since we signed him?

:gp:

One rule for one and all that, it seems.

[Cripps_orig]

remind me what you said about jenkinson ever since we signed him?

Said he was shit last season which he was

And that hes been decent this season which he has

Dont see anything with what WW has said

[Ollie the Optimist]

Said he was shit last season which he was

And that hes been decent this season which he has

Dont see anything with what WW has said

i hardly think he said he was decent this season given these are his direct quotes on him from last week


wouldnt get into most mid-table teams let alone a top 4 team


wont win anything with the likes of jenkinson in the team


but for now, hes shite.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

remind me what you said about jenkinson ever since we signed him?

calm down i wasn't referring to you or charlie. a private matter only a few people will get.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

calm down i wasn't referring to you or charlie. a private matter only a few people will get.

NQ :bow:

Where is he actually.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

In light of this I don't think Theo could do a lot worse up front, in fact I think he'll score a lot of goals in this team especially playing in front of Carzola in tandem with Podolski. He may not be pretty to look at ala Thierry on the ball but I think he will finish his share of goals. If Gervinho and Giroud can be given a crack at it, then I think it's fair to try Theo and see what happens ..now rather than later.

I am not Walcott's biggest fan by any means, but I just think this might work

i hope wenger sees light and plays walcott up front on wednesday. if he goes with the likes of chamakh in the carling cup then it's pointless. chamakh has no future at the club and will never improve. he's likely to be off next summer anyway. walcott should be given the chance to prove himself given the circumstances plus he's hardly played in the league this season so is fresh. if we sell theo next summer and wenger hasnt tried walcott up front in the carling cup then questions need to be asked. there's no better opportunity.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

i hardly think he said he was decent this season given these are his direct quotes on him from last week

i also said he's improved from last season and that we cant jump on the bandwagon until he faces bigger tests.

up until this weekend he had faced raheem sterling, who has more kids than liverpool have points this season, the most negative sunderland team in years, jermaine pennant and a team thats likely to be relegated at the end of the season. that's hardly a yardstick.

this weekend he faced the likes of silva, aguero and yaya and done extremely well.

this was his test and he passed with flying colours. so now ill praise him for his performances like i said i would.

dont see the problem with being a bit more hesitant when it comes to giving players the seal of approval nowadays. especially as we were so quick to praise a bunch of young players who contributed f*ck all to our club for 7 years.

[Master Splinter]

Just to confirm: Walcott's first touch went straight out for a throw-in, he then crossed it out to the opposite end when we had numerous players in the box and finally almost topped it off with an assist for Kompany's overhead kick.

He was definitely bad.

But judging players on limited sub appearances doesn't make much sense.

But he was definitely very poor.

If this situation affects his play when we eventually need him later in the season, it's beyond stupid from everyone involved. If Wenger doesn't see him offering enough as a central striker, then it's best to replace him in January. And not with Sanchez Watt.

[Syn]

Slow news day but I don't think apart from the typical petty gay winning on the interweb stuff, people have focused a lot on Walcott's comments. I'm actually just reading them. Seems like Theodore's going all out for the sympathy votes.


Walcott, talking at the launch of an FA and Mars Just Play campaign, said: “I have always wanted to stay at Arsenal and I hope something can get sorted out and I can get back playing.

“I never wanted to go and I’ve never said I wanted to leave.

“Hopefully something can be sorted and if it doesn’t I will be disappointed, I can’t lie. It would be a shame, but you just have to move on and accept it.

“Hopefully it won’t come to that, hopefully we can get something resolved because I love the club, I love playing for the manager, for the team and we have made some great new signings that have settled in very well.

“It would be nice to play with them now.

“I am one of those players that wants to stay, I am 100 per cent when I play. But it is frustrating not playing at the moment, you just want to play. And hopefully it will come very soon.”


“I’m not even thinking about January. I don’t want to be thinking about that because the week I had in the last week of the transfer market was horrible. You don’t want any player to go through that – especially when they don’t want to go.

If what he's saying is true, the club seemingly aren't that keen on him.

[LDG]

I think people are worrying too much over Walcott. It's because he has a big rep. "Fastest man alive" "English" etc etc.

He's a half decent player, and his pace gives him edge, and he's a good finisher, but he is simply not technically good enough to play the way AW wants the team to play. He can't control the ball, and he can't make space for himself (when he has the ball). He can't keep possession, and that is what the team is built on. Simple as, and whether you like it, or not.

[GP]

I never wanted to go and I’ve never said I wanted to leave

Never said he said that

[Power n Glory]

Apparently, we were slow to initiate contract talks with his people again and as said in a previous article, it took them 6 months to thrash out his last agreement.

We have offered him a deal, so we probably want him to stay. But the sticking point must be the striker situation, as he has said it's a big factor. He was signed as a striker, Wenger said he would develop him as a striker but that hasn't happened and now he gets judged as a winger by everybody. It messes him up because it's going to be hard for him to get a coach to sign him up as a striker and take that risk since he hasn't played in that role for a number of years.

But, if Wenger doubts his ability as a striker, he might as well take his chances elsewhere and a free transfer makes it easier for him to a load of different clubs and managers. A normal transfer wouldn't give him that option. Hopefully, he gets his chance up front. Poldoski and Giroud have looked anonymous up front so far, Gervinho hasn't got the ability to finish…Chamakh….joke of a player. What's the harm in trying?

[GP]

I think people are worrying too much over Walcott. It's because he has a big rep. "Fastest man alive" "English" etc etc.

He's a half decent player, and his pace gives him edge, and he's a good finisher, but he is simply not technically good enough to play the way AW wants the team to play. He can't control the ball, and he can't make space for himself (when he has the ball). He can't keep possession, and that is what the team is built on. Simple as, and whether you like it, or not.

the fact is, in our system, Walcott would be beyond a disaster up front. We need someone who can link play and create space, something Giroud has done brilliantly. Can you see Walcott offering anything like that?

[LDG]

the fact is, in our system, Walcott would be beyond a disaster up front. We need someone who can link play and create space, something Giroud has done brilliantly. Can you see Walcott offering anything like that?

What? Walcott? Team play? Lol.

[Power n Glory]

the fact is, in our system, Walcott would be beyond a disaster up front. We need someone who can link play and create space, something Giroud has done brilliantly. Can you see Walcott offering anything like that?

If we want team play like that we might as well stick Chamakh up front because his hold up play and link up stuff is exceptional. We need a combination of technical players and direct players.

[Syn]

"I could play up front on Wednesday – that would be a nice gesture."

I think there was another quote somewhere where Walcott said he'll get a few games upfront now.

With Theo "I just love playing games and scoring goals" Walcott and Alex "I just love taking players on and playing my natural game" Chamberlain is the future of embarrassing interviews in good shape? Little bit.

[Kano]

this is no longer just about yet another player who suddenly becomes shit because he wants to leave, this is about our fucking board pissing around with contracts and then deciding to get tough in the last 6 months. bit late now really isn’t it? An England regular, with years of prem experience that we will now lose for peanuts. Continuity would be nice as well but he’ll be just another muppet shifting through our ever revolving door of strangers in and out of the club.

[GP]

Sadly, we're offering what he's worth, and he's holding out for more and using the 'I wants to play az a striker' excuse so the fans don't hate him.

Bit transparent, though...

[Power n Glory]

Sadly, we're offering what he's worth, and he's holding out for more and using the 'I wants to play az a striker' excuse so the fans don't hate him.

Bit transparent, though...

Wenger even said it's not about money and he's not a greedy guy. What more do you want?

[GP]

It's funny how people suddenly believe everything Wenger says when it suits their argument.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I guess he'll be accepting a contract of £75,000 a week then, once he gets whatever it is he wants of playing as a striker put it in there. I'd be very surprised if his role will be any different to what Podolski and Gervinho are already asked to do though.

[Syn]

Sadly, we're offering what he's worth, and he's holding out for more and using the 'I wants to play az a striker' excuse so the fans don't hate him.

Bit transparent, though...

My gut feeling is that he's telling the truth. I reckon the club have turned on him...or, at least, Wenger just doesn't rate him any more so he's not fussed. I can't see any reason why he'd be frozen out or benched otherwise. I don't think Wenger is the vengeful type - he'd play what he thinks is his best team in the big games. At the moment, Walcott's not in it. He wants to play games and get the contract of a first-team regular, the club aren't convinced he is in their long term plans.

[Kano]

Sadly, we're offering what he's worth, and he's holding out for more and using the 'I wants to play az a striker' excuse so the fans don't hate him.

Bit transparent, though...

which is all filler really. the conversation should've taken place a year ago at least, not with a year left on his contract. another season, another contract being dragged out and another regular wanting to leave.

who is lined up for this next season?

[Power n Glory]

It's funny how people suddenly believe everything Wenger says when it suits their argument.

Before Wenger or Theo made any statement about the contract situation, this has been my stance. Terry said ages ago that he heard the sticking point was Theo playing as striker and everything we've seen and heard since then has confirmed that. Wenger has said he's come to a short term agreement with Theo in the mean time, hasn't played him on the flanks but has still used him as a sub….what does that tell you? I think Wenger has said if he wants to play as striker then he's going to have to suffer on the bench for a while and earn it.

[Grebbo]

Walcott has no choice but to become a striker because in the seven years he's been with us he's proved that he's not a great winger. The difference this season is we have a fuckload of options in midfield now so Walcott isn't going to get close to starting.

He just isn't good enough on the ball to be a top midfielder.

Is he even worth £75k per week let alone £100k? (I'm talking in relation to the competition not whether he is worth £75k per week compared to what a nurse earns yada yada yada)

[Power n Glory]

My gut feeling is that he's telling the truth. I reckon the club have turned on him...or, at least, Wenger just doesn't rate him any more so he's not fussed. I can't see any reason why he'd be frozen out or benched otherwise. I don't think Wenger is the vengeful type - he'd play what he thinks is his best team in the big games. At the moment, Walcott's not in it. He wants to play games and get the contract of a first-team regular, the club aren't convinced he is in their long term plans.

Do you think he's been frozen out or Wenger has told him he's going to have to earn his spot up front and that he won't play him on the right anymore? I think he did the same with Flamini when he told Wenger he didn't want to play as left back. Flam had to wait his turn to play DM.

[Grebbo]

Who would we rather have playing the striker role - Gervinho or Walcott??

:upset:

[Power n Glory]

Walcott has no choice but to become a striker because in the seven years he's been with us he's proved that he's not a great winger. The difference this season is we have a fuckload of options in midfield now so Walcott isn't going to get close to starting.

He just isn't good enough on the ball to be a top midfielder.

Is he even worth £75k per week let alone £100k? (I'm talking in relation to the competition not whether he is worth £75k per week compared to what a nurse earns yada yada yada)


is it worth losing him on a free when his market value is at least £15m?

[Grebbo]

is it worth losing him on a free when his market value is at least £15m?

We don't know what the market values him at.

[Syn]

Is he even worth £75k per week let alone £100k? (I'm talking in relation to the competition not whether he is worth £75k per week compared to what a nurse earns yada yada yada)

Judging against the competition is also a bit silly because Scott Sinclair will be on a fuckload. Though you could question why Man City went in for Sinclair as opposed to Walcott...if we were willing to let go of two players that definitely would've been in the team this season (Song and Van Persie), you'd have to think Arsenal were willing to sell Walcott. Walcott also says he went through hell in the last week of the transfer window because the club were presumably waiting for offers that didn't come.

On the other side, I thought Walcott did quite well last season and, for me, Gerv and Walcott are equally frustrating - I can't see much reason to favour one over the other, and I think people need to chill out a bit - Walcott will get his chance. Maybe right now. If he scores a couple against Coventry on Wednesday, it's job done for him. We're only 5 games in.

[Power n Glory]

It doesn't matter...free is free. We get nothing for him if we let him walk and the difference between £75k and £100k in a year is less than £2m.

[Syn]

Do you think he's been frozen out or Wenger has told him he's going to have to earn his spot up front and that he won't play him on the right anymore? I think he did the same with Flamini when he told Wenger he didn't want to play as left back. Flam had to wait his turn to play DM.

Definitely the second option. I don't think he has been frozen out at all, I reckon Wenger's just told him to wait a bit to see how Gerv does. Walcott sees himself as good enough to be a key player in the team (one that starts all the time), and Wenger doesn't right now. But that's easily sorted if Theo out-performs Gervinho. He'll get his chance soon.

[Power n Glory]

Definitely the second option. I don't think he has been frozen out at all, I reckon Wenger's just told him to wait a bit to see how Gerv does. Walcott sees himself as good enough to be a key player in the team (one that starts all the time), and Wenger doesn't right now. But that's easily sorted if Theo out-performs Gervinho. He'll get his chance soon.


It is an interesting one. Yao Kouassi almost fits the bill to be that striker we need but he lacks confidence and went missing when he screwed up that first chance against City. With Theo, he's not as technically gifted on the ball, but he's smarter with his movement, decisions and finishing. Also, he's mentally stronger and won't go missing if he screws up a chance. Just look at the Spurs game. But can play in our system?

I think Wenger may need to adjust the formation slightly and try to get two strikers playing up top. Giroud seems like a good player but I can't see him scoring a ton for us in this system. He doesn't look like a work horse type but I get the feeling that is what he'll turn into against bigger teams. Our battering ram. Poldoski up front on his own….seemed anonymous too. It's very early but when a team plays like how we play and hold a lot of possession and attack, it's a bit of a worry that they're not involved. Yao Kouassi keeps busy but if he wastes chances and goes into a shell, we can't afford to play him there.

[Syn]

We are sort of playing two forwards. Cazorla's usually around the box but we went a bit defensive against Man City. It's an awesome formation that's on the go right now. Wouldn't want us to change it. Nobody really holds a fixed position; incredibly hard to defend against when 3 or 4 out of the 6 are on it.

Not liking Giroud so far but not writing him off either. Unconvinced by both Theo and Gerv. In an ideal world, we'd have one of those Spanish youngsters we can chuck in (Suso for Liverpool looked handy) that's all about the balance and squirming out of tricky positions. Oxlade looked to be that but now he's gone all gay and English for some reason. I don't really worry about having goalscorers if you genuinely are good enough to pass it into the net. Just getting to that level is difficult though. In recent years we've been called a team that 'like to pass it in' and because we haven't succeeded, people assume it can't work. It can work if you're good.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

I like the fluid front three that we seem to be leaning towards! It could be Walcotts way into getting that elusive strikers position he craves and at the same time do his bit out wide when its his turn.

The only thing is when he plays wide, hes more often than not woeful. His attempts at crosses are not even worth trying to get on the end of!

Saying that, and people can have a pop, my support for Gerv can at times seem very misguided! I didnt see the whole game but his attempt at the end was rubbish, goal opens up in front of him as it did and he cant hit the target. . .shit

As Syn says Theo will get his chance, whether he takes it remains to be seen, if he does he gets paid but Im not convinced he deserves any more than we have offered.

[Power n Glory]

For Theo and Yao Kouassi, I think the current system could work because they'd float around and not always have their back to goal. With Giroud, I see another Chamakh or Eduardo situation. His movement is slow but he'll pounce when he see's an opening. He looks like a typical predator type striker but I can't see how that is going to work in this system. We're trying to replicate this tika taka style that Barca and Spain play, our own style of total football, then i think we'll need a busy striker and someone more mobile. We've seen it with Cesc and Messi. Neither play with their back to goal and their able to find pockets of space. Playing with a more static striker that hangs deep just makes it easier for defenders to sit back and defend and i think Giroud we'll be heavily dependent on other players movement for him to find his own space. He's hardly able to get a shot on a goal.

[Aida]

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11670/8107318/Theo-Walcott-wants-Arsenal-stay-and-contract-wrangle-not-about-money

[Kano]

it becomes lazy to keep harping on about poor crossing etc when he bagged 13 or so assists and 11 goals last season - I mean, what are we expecting from the wide players instead?

i can't think of another one in recent memory with figures like that.

he is obviously a key and productive member of the team but will of course be leaving this season at some time.

just another player to leave, get hammered by the fans whilst the board laugh in our faces.

[Xhaka Can’t]

It doesn't matter...free is free. We get nothing for him if we let him walk and the difference between £75k and £100k in a year is less than £2m.

But it isn't supposed to be about the money!

Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2

[LDG]

it becomes lazy to keep harping on about poor crossing etc when he bagged 13 or so assists and 11 goals last season - I mean, what are we expecting from the wide players instead?

i can't think of another one in recent memory with figures like that.

he is obviously a key and productive member of the team but will of course be leaving this season at some time.

just another player to leave, get hammered by the fans whilst the board laugh in our faces.

Don't think anyone is calling him out here. Nobody is saying he's shit.

As long as the team keeps on improving, then I just don't give a shit.

[Marc Overmars]

I would personally give him a shot up front, we're not loaded with central striking options. It's not like this is a radical new idea anyway, it's something thats been spoken about for years and even Wenget has given the notion some positive thought in the past. I don't see Theo as being a money grabber or some sort of billy big bollocks, I just think he's a frustrated player who knows his game is stale wants to do something about it.

I reckon he'll probably leave which would be a shame because he's arguably one of the best finishers in the squad. Ultimatley though if the club doesn't rate him despite his favourable statistics, then he should go and I wouldn't begrudge him.

It would be pretty galling though to see him leave on a free because another club would have picked up an incredible bargain.

[Özim]

he's arguably one of the best finishers in the squad.
Doesn't really say much though in reality, we barely have anyone who can finish in the squad.

Podolski seems to be the only player who can so far.

[Kano]

Don't think anyone is calling him out here. Nobody is saying he's shit.

As long as the team keeps on improving, then I just don't give a shit.

oh i've seen a number of posts digging into him.

i've yet to see the team improve. pass, pass, pass...miss. same routine. new ****s, same old story so far.

come april will tell us any improvement but i dont see it personally.

[Grebbo]

It doesn't matter...free is free. We get nothing for him if we let him walk and the difference between £75k and £100k in a year is less than £2m.

I don't really get your argument. If he's not good enough to get in our team then why spend £5m a year on his wages? We'd be better off letting him leave for free.

If Rosicky and Wilshere ever get fit I don't think Walcott will make our bench.

He's fucked.

[Grebbo]

it becomes lazy to keep harping on about poor crossing etc when he bagged 13 or so assists and 11 goals last season - I mean, what are we expecting from the wide players instead?

i can't think of another one in recent memory with figures like that.

he is obviously a key and productive member of the team but will of course be leaving this season at some time.

just another player to leave, get hammered by the fans whilst the board laugh in our faces.

To be fair he was assisting the most clinical and best striker in the league by a country mile.

But yeah his stats are decent but the fact is we look a better team without him.

[Kano]

the ball still has to be in the right place, so job done on his part.

we look better for now sure. 5 games in one of our seasons doesn't mean much lets be honest.

walcott can easily do what gerv does.

[Özim]

It's well documented I've never rated the guy, would have loved to have seen him turn into one of the best players around, clearly that's not going to happen though.

It seems to me he just hasn't done enough to force the manager's hand IMO, he needs to put in some great performances to give the manager no choice but to select him, how often does he actually do that? Probably only a handful of times in his entire career and it's not like he hasn't had plenty of time to improve and do so.

[Özim]

the ball still has to be in the right place, so job done on his part.

we look better for now sure. 5 games in one of our seasons doesn't mean much lets be honest.

walcott can easily do what gerv does.
Gervinho is a rubbish finisher no doubt about that, his decision making is also poor...what he does have going for him though is an ability to commit and beat defenders, he just needs to work on his final pass.

Gervinho isn't far awar from being a really effective player for us, Wenger should be working with him on his end product in training, I have a feeling he probably isn't though.

[Joker]

I think we should at least try him out upfront tbh. If Wenger's willing to play Gervinho there (who's not a typical centre forward) then Walcott should be given an opportunity as well.

[I_Killed_Kenny]

Gervinhos end product, stat wise, shouldnt need working on. he scored 18 odd goals the season before joining us and about 12 assists (stattos can correct me if i am wrong). even if its ligue 1 his stats surely say that he knows what to do when through on goal or in the final 3rd for an assist etc. somehow he seems to have lost this ability or confidence or both just after he signed for us!

[Marc Overmars]

The problem Theo has is that our attack is interchangable, he's not really the type of player who can adapt so I can see why Wenget might see him as surplus.

[Syn]

Gervinho probably will get good stats if he plays up front for us. He's on 3 goals now from 6 games. The problem is you just don't trust him to stick a chance away when the going gets tough because he'll be more nervous than the fans. That's his nature - he's a fanny. We could play Vermaelen up front and he'll get 20 goals. Gervinho has had 3 tap-ins. If he plays a full season up front, I suspect he'll get a lot of goals...but, 89th minute...3-3 at Stamford Bridge, Terry slips, Gervinho has a free run at goal, nobody's catching him...is he rounding the 'keeper and scoring? No, he's smashing it straight at the keeper, running for the rebound and slipping as he hits the side-netting. The extra 10+ from nowhere is what separates players like Van Persie from the ordinary but I'm tired of talking about that.

[Power n Glory]

But it isn't supposed to be about the money!

Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2


I don't really get your argument. If he's not good enough to get in our team then why spend £5m a year on his wages? We'd be better off letting him leave for free.

If Rosicky and Wilshere ever get fit I don't think Walcott will make our bench.

He's fucked.

@GB – Certain fans are pushing that argument and if we want to go down that route, then at least do the math and think logically.

@ Grebbo - We have wasted more money on players like Chamakh, Park and Squillaci in a year. Theo could still contribute more than all three players by just coming off the bench. But if this were a simple case of not matching his wage demands, it makes no sense to lose a player for free over such a small fee. £75k is £3.9 million a year. £100k is £5.2m a year. Would £1.3m really stretch us so much that we'd go bankrupt? It makes no business sense in allowing him to walk on a free when his market value is at least £15m.

[I_Killed_Kenny]

I think we should at least try him out upfront tbh. If Wenger's willing to play Gervinho there (who's not a typical centre forward) then Walcott should be given an opportunity as well.

i agree with Joker, let theo loose v coventry. perfect chance to test him out up front. if he doesnt even get to play up front v coventry he wont ever play up front for us.

if the rest of the team can just provide for him, it doesnt need him to be a great link player at all. we have enough players to link and create, we need someone to finish. IMO (blind belief) theo can do that. dont ask him to do other stuff, that can be done by the cazorlas etc.

As an example, when spurs had bent they had the creative players around him and that allowed him to do what he is best at, running onto through balls to finish, cos that is all he can do. why cant theo be our bent type player. someone just to sit on the defenders shoulders, make the good runs he can and then just finish the through balls.

[Cripps_orig]

Dont really see the problem with at least trying Theo up front.

We have tried Gerv whos a bit shit and Giroud who cant score

Theo is better than both and if anything, it will quicken up our play hopefully instead of the wengeritis artetaesque pass pass pass, chance for a quick through ball but no lets pass back, pass pass pass shite we play

[Grebbo]

@ Grebbo - We have wasted more money on players like Chamakh, Park and Squillaci in a year. Theo could still contribute more than all three players by just coming off the bench. But if this were a simple case of not matching his wage demands, it makes no sense to lose a player for free over such a small fee. £75k is £3.9 million a year. £100k is £5.2m a year. Would £1.3m really stretch us so much that we'd go bankrupt? It makes no business sense in allowing him to walk on a free when his market value is at least £15m.

He's in the final year of his contract, we are a selling club, yet nobody bid for him in the summer. Only the top 3 and Pool will pay his wages and I'm making a wild assumption that only Pool out of those clubs would want him. They couldn't find £5m for Dempsey so I'm not convinced they'll buy Walcott for £15m and £5m per season.

He thinks he's worth more than he is and so do you by the sounds of it.

He's a pretty good winger, no more than that. He's at the same kinda level as Lennon and he wont be earning anything like £75k per week.

I understand that you don't think it's worth losing him for free for the sake of a couple of million quid per year in wages. My argument is he doesn't make the bench if we have our best 18 players available. It doesn't make sense to pay someone who doesn't make the bench, we have too many of those already! (Arsh, Chamspak etc)

[Cripps_orig]

Hes much better than Lennon, Young, Nani, Bale etc

What are they on?

Not that it matters cos its not about the money. Hes a striker and he wants to play upfront. Hes done his best on the right and hes done well but its time he moved up front. We have plenty of options to play on the right and not so much upfront

Its a no brainer. Unfortunately Wenger has no brain

[LDG]

Give him his chance V's Coventry.

Then he can put up, or shut up.

[Syn]

Its a no brainer. Unfortunately Wenger has no brain

Then he'd get it right wouldn't he you fuckface!

[Power n Glory]

He's in the final year of his contract, we are a selling club, yet nobody bid for him in the summer. Only the top 3 and Pool will pay his wages and I'm making a wild assumption that only Pool out of those clubs would want him. They couldn't find £5m for Dempsey so I'm not convinced they'll buy Walcott for £15m and £5m per season.

He thinks he's worth more than he is and so do you by the sounds of it.

He's a pretty good winger, no more than that. He's at the same kinda level as Lennon and he wont be earning anything like £75k per week.

I understand that you don't think it's worth losing him for free for the sake of a couple of million quid per year in wages. My argument is he doesn't make the bench if we have our best 18 players available. It doesn't make sense to pay someone who doesn't make the bench, we have too many of those already! (Arsh, Chamspak etc)

We're not going to get many good offers for him because he's in the final year of his contract. How many clubs came in for Van Persie? He was the best striker in the Prem at the time and only City, Utd and Juve were interested. Same level as Lennon? Have you checked what Lennon contributes to his club and compared that to Theo? But this doesn't boil down to money and if it were, it's illogical to let him walk on a free transfer if we're going to argue about value. Theo would still make the bench because pace is always a good option to have on the bench.

[LDG]

Then he'd get it right wouldn't he you fuckface!

:haha:

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

I don't really get your argument. If he's not good enough to get in our team then why spend £5m a year on his wages? We'd be better off letting him leave for free.

If Rosicky and Wilshere ever get fit I don't think Walcott will make our bench.

He's fucked.

there's something called squad depth. every team needs it to be challenging for the top honours. a team is only as good as its bench and over the years our bench has generally been bad. this is the first year we've had some decent depth, i recall bringing ox + walcott on against stoke, giroud + walcott on against southampton. these are decent players who can change the game. walcott's a weird one because i think he's replaceable but at the same time, we keep banging on about never having squad depth yet we still want certain players out. lets not forget our team usually falls apart at the end of every season so i think its wise to keep our numbers up for when the inevitable injuries and fatigue kick in.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

walcott can easily do what gerv does.

walcott is an english gervinho. gervinho is an ivorian walcott.


also when we went to asia walcott was asked to 'draw anything he wanted which meant something to him'. this is what he drew:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A3oasuxCQAEe9l3.png


id say he's a gooner through and through but i said that about a certain c*nt last season..

[I_Killed_Kenny]

bet he got help with that

[Bergkampwonderland10]

Give him his chance V's Coventry.

Then he can put up, or shut up.
Agreed and we can all sing him his new song while he bangs in the goals left right and centre...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMxX-QOV9tI
He just wants to make us gooners dance!

[Olivier's xmas twist]

It's funny how people suddenly believe everything Wenger says when it suits their argument.

Yep no 1 rule, Wenger always lies.

It's well documented I've never rated the guy, would have loved to have seen him turn into one of the best players around, clearly that's not going to happen though.

It seems to me he just hasn't done enough to force the manager's hand IMO, he needs to put in some great performances to give the manager no choice but to select him, how often does he actually do that? Probably only a handful of times in his entire career and it's not like he hasn't had plenty of time to improve and do so.

:gp:

[Bergkampwonderland10]

He wants to leave on a Bosman - he'll get a pay day like he can't even imagine. His people don't want him to stay and I think they've talked him around into the same way of thinking. I have no doubt he once loved our club. But Van Persie's departure was the straw that broke the camels back. Even if he's offered 100k a week he'll be off, guaranteed. His last contract took six months to sign this one is gonna take 2 years, and he's already used up one. They've played us and he's played us. The whole 'it's about time' I get my chance up front is an ultimatum...erm gone are the days when players would play anywhere the gaffer put them so long as they were on the pitch playing for the shirt. All about the money I'm afraid and his attempts to come out looking good in all this are pretty transparent. He wont be a gooner come end of January. Shame but that's the way the game goes these days. Play him up front in the capital one cup - he has no idea how to hold the ball up, turn a defender inside out...he can run onto a through ball and that's it, but look at someone in the class of podolski either on the left or centrally - it's a different class - even michael owen could do it at 17.
Dont really see the problem with at least trying Theo up front.

We have tried Gerv whos a bit shit and Giroud who cant score

Theo is better than both and if anything, it will quicken up our play hopefully instead of the wengeritis artetaesque pass pass pass, chance for a quick through ball but no lets pass back, pass pass pass shite we play

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Hes much better than Bale etc

Maybe, but Bale is not a striker, Bale and lennon get less then Theo do anyways. When was the last time Theo had a bale type game like bale did vs Inter.




Give him his chance V's Coventry.

Then he can put up, or shut up.

Yeah we should give him the chance, and he should show why he should be a striker.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

walcott is an english gervinho. gervinho is an ivorian walcott.


also when we went to asia walcott was asked to 'draw anything he wanted which meant something to him'. this is what he drew:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A3oasuxCQAEe9l3.png


id say he's a gooner through and through but i said that about a certain c*nt last season..

Disgusting the way I am treated on here.


He wants to leave on a Bosman - he'll get a pay day like he can't even imagine. His people don't want him to stay and I think they've talked him around into the same way of thinking. I have no doubt he once loved our club. But Van Persie's departure was the straw that broke the camels back. Even if he's offered 100k a week he'll be off, guaranteed. His last contract took six months to sign this one is gonna take 2 years, and he's already used up one. They've played us and he's played us. The whole 'it's about time' I get my chance up front is an ultimatum...erm gone are the days when players would play anywhere the gaffer put them so long as they were on the pitch playing for the shirt. All about the money I'm afraid and his attempts to come out looking good in all this are pretty transparent. He wont be a gooner come end of January. Shame but that's the way the game goes these days. Play him up front in the capital one cup - he has no idea how to hold the ball up, turn a defender inside out...he can run onto a through ball and that's it, but look at someone in the class of podolski either on the left or centrally - it's a different class - even michael owen could do it at 17.

No way, will the club allow him to leave on a Bosman. he'd be sold before that would be allowed to happen. I agree he wants to go his body language on the pitch has said as much.

[Letters]

From the papers this morning the issue seems to be the position he's being played in.

I think that's fair enough, actually. I know comparisons with other jobs only go so far but if in your work you're not in a role which you feel you want to be or uses your skills to the best it's not unreasonable to be looking elsewhere.

[Syn]

That's what she said.

[Cripps_orig]

Maybe, but Bale is not a striker, Bale and lennon get less then Theo do anyways. When was the last time Theo had a bale type game like bale did vs Inter.
When was the last time Bale had a Bale type game v Inter?

[Olivier's xmas twist]

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11670/8107318/Theo-Walcott-wants-Arsenal-stay-and-contract-wrangle-not-about-money

It may not be about the money, but if you want to get what you want. In his case (playing upfront) then the best way to do that it show commitment to the club by signing a new deal. Not saying he needs to sign a 5 year deal but even if he signed a 2 year extension that would be fine.

Whether he deserves to play upfront is a diiffrent issue.

[Cripps_orig]

He wants to leave on a Bosman - he'll get a pay day like he can't even imagine. His people don't want him to stay and I think they've talked him around into the same way of thinking. I have no doubt he once loved our club. But Van Persie's departure was the straw that broke the camels back. Even if he's offered 100k a week he'll be off, guaranteed. His last contract took six months to sign this one is gonna take 2 years, and he's already used up one. They've played us and he's played us. The whole 'it's about time' I get my chance up front is an ultimatum...erm gone are the days when players would play anywhere the gaffer put them so long as they were on the pitch playing for the shirt. All about the money I'm afraid and his attempts to come out looking good in all this are pretty transparent. He wont be a gooner come end of January. Shame but that's the way the game goes these days. Play him up front in the capital one cup - he has no idea how to hold the ball up, turn a defender inside out...he can run onto a through ball and that's it, but look at someone in the class of podolski either on the left or centrally - it's a different class - even michael owen could do it at 17.

He wants to stay so the only reason he wont be here is if Wenger sells him. Wenger himself has said Theo will be played upfront. Well 7 years down the line and Wengers gone back on his word time and time again and Theos had enough and fair play to him for that

[Bergkampwonderland10]

From the papers this morning the issue seems to be the position he's being played in.

I think that's fair enough, actually. I know comparisons with other jobs only go so far but if in your work you're not in a role which you feel you want to be or uses your skills to the best it's not unreasonable to be looking elsewhere.

And my question is this...why is his little problem with not being played up front in the papers now? Anyone who says they want to be an 'Arsenal legend' like Thierry Henry, yet doesn't have the belief in the judgement of the man that helped to make the legend that is Thierry Henry has a bit of a problem if you ask me. If Wenger feels Walcott still needs more time to consistently beat his man on the wing before turning him into a striker (and I have no doubt that has always been wenger's plan for walcott) then he needs to accept that. He is not going to ever be a top 10 premier league striker without that I'm afraid. Gervinho spent all of last season beating the man on the wing, just didn't quite know how to finish...but I think Wenger has seen that now he needs to work on his finishing. If you could mould walcott and gervinho they'd be a very very good player. Walcott wants out though, I still firmly believe that.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

When was the last time Bale had a Bale type game v Inter?

True, Bale never moaned when He was played out of posistion as spuds and never decided he would not sign a deal to he got what he wanted. Bale had to work hard before Arry gave him what he wanted and Theo has to do the same.

[Bergkampwonderland10]

He wants to stay so the only reason he wont be here is if Wenger sells him.
I think the only reason he wont be here is if he doesn't sign a new contract forcing Wenger to sell him.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

He wants to stay so the only reason he wont be here is if Wenger sells him. Wenger himself has said Theo will be played upfront. Well 7 years down the line and Wengers gone back on his word time and time again and Theos had enough and fair play to him for that

2006 we got him so not sure how its 7 years down the line. Lets be honest we have had better srikers then him anyways in the last few years so why would he be played upfront.

End of the day it was down to him to prove he was good enough, well he clearly has not. One good game in croatia proves nothing.

RVP was not bought as a striker, but had to wait along time before he was allowed to play as one same with TH14, why should Theo be so diffrent.

Theo is not a bad player as much as i have said, but he is a frustating one. do i think he derserves a chance to play up top yes i do. Do i think he will ever be as good as Titi no way.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

And my question is this...why is his little problem with not being played up front in the papers now? Anyone who says they want to be an 'Arsenal legend' like Thierry Henry, yet doesn't have the belief in the judgement of the man that helped to make the legend that is Thierry Henry has a bit of a problem if you ask me. If Wenger feels Walcott still needs more time to consistently beat his man on the wing before turning him into a striker (and I have no doubt that has always been wenger's plan for walcott) then he needs to accept that. He is not going to ever be a top 10 premier league striker without that I'm afraid. Gervinho spent all of last season beating the man on the wing, just didn't quite know how to finish...but I think Wenger has seen that now he needs to work on his finishing. If you could mould walcott and gervinho they'd be a very very good player. Walcott wants out though, I still firmly believe that.

Spot On.

[Cripps_orig]

2006 we got him so not sure how its 7 years down the line. Lets be honest we have had better srikers then him anyways in the last few years so why would he be played upfront.

End of the day it was down to him to prove he was good enough, well he clearly has not. One good game in croatia proves nothing.
It'll be 7 years in January

I was rounding up

The rest of the post is BS as usual. One good game :doh:

[Olivier's xmas twist]

It'll be 7 years in January

I was rounding up

The rest of the post is BS as usual. One good game :doh:

Never said he had one good game, i said that one good game in croatia should not mean he deserves to play as a striker,

[Cripps_orig]

I think the only reason he wont be here is if he doesn't sign a new contract forcing Wenger to sell him.

Considering the only decent striker we have atm is Podolski, Wenger should do as hes said for years and play Theo upfront and no doubt Theo will sign a contract.

We know hes a good finisher, hes got pace and he can take people on. What else is needed for a striker? Hes better than Gerv and Giroud tbh

More importantly, it might change the way we play and we can go back to the fast paced play rather than the shite we have seen for years

Cant hurt to try it out and im not just talking about in one game, give him a run in the team upfront

[McNamara That Ghost...]

We really shouldn't be pinning this just on Wenger either - how many national managers have played him in a similar position (in Capello's case even deeper)? It can't be coincidence that they all arrive at a similar decision on where he should be played. He can say he has 'learnt his trade' there but to me, that's just code for my heart isn't in playing there anymore.

Gervinho this season is the benchmark for Theo, not neccesarily in finishing, I mean I think two of them haven't landed yet but in terms of making the given role work. There hasn't been too many times I can remember Theo has been in the position for a tap-in, like Gervinho has this season. We're not playing with conventional strikers, we haven't for a very long time - even Giroud still pulls left like every 'big man' we've had up front for time immemorial.

[Bergkampwonderland10]

Henry: Hey boss, if you don't play me up front this season I'm going to go cry to the papers.
Wenger: No you need to work on beating your man at pace first, then you can play anywhere you want
Henry: Ok
= Arsenal Legend ;) who never earnt more than 100k a week, even when offered silly money elsewhere.
Until he buggered off the Barca for a bit lol :)

[Bergkampwonderland10]

Considering the only decent striker we have atm is Podolski, Wenger should do as hes said for years and play Theo upfront and no doubt Theo will sign a contract.

We know hes a good finisher, hes got pace and he can take people on. What else is needed for a striker? Hes better than Gerv and Giroud tbh

More importantly, it might change the way we play and we can go back to the fast paced play rather than the shite we have seen for years

Cant hurt to try it out and im not just talking about in one game, give him a run in the team upfront

I don't disagree with any of that, or giving him a go. I just think the whole contract situation and his 'attitude' if you like is not good. Not good for him, not for the club and am sure Van Persie had a word in his ear on his way up to Manchester. That's all. I'd like nothing more than walcott to stay, sign a 5 year deal at 75k or 100k whatever, and show us that he can be an Arsenal legend.

[Cripps_orig]

We really shouldn't be pinning this just on Wenger either - how many national managers have played him in a similar position (in Capello's case even deeper)? It can't be coincidence that they all arrive at a similar decision on where he should be played.

National managers play players for the most part where they are played for their club.

If Theo played upfront for us then he'd play upfront for England.

Do not forget, Rooney is undroppable regardless of how shits hes been for England and they only play one upfront and its bound to be him

[Power n Glory]

He wants to leave on a Bosman - he'll get a pay day like he can't even imagine. His people don't want him to stay and I think they've talked him around into the same way of thinking. I have no doubt he once loved our club. But Van Persie's departure was the straw that broke the camels back. Even if he's offered 100k a week he'll be off, guaranteed. His last contract took six months to sign this one is gonna take 2 years, and he's already used up one. They've played us and he's played us. The whole 'it's about time' I get my chance up front is an ultimatum...erm gone are the days when players would play anywhere the gaffer put them so long as they were on the pitch playing for the shirt. All about the money I'm afraid and his attempts to come out looking good in all this are pretty transparent. He wont be a gooner come end of January. Shame but that's the way the game goes these days. Play him up front in the capital one cup - he has no idea how to hold the ball up, turn a defender inside out...he can run onto a through ball and that's it, but look at someone in the class of podolski either on the left or centrally - it's a different class - even michael owen could do it at 17.

What do you think he's been doing since signing? He's been playing out of position for the boss for years and it hasn't helped his reputation at all. Sweeping statements about his ability are all too common these days. It's as if his first goal for Arsenal has been wiped from history with the stuff he's done recently. He's had games where he's torn through Liverpool's defence, shell shocked Barca, got one over Ashely Cole and caused problems for Chelsea, problems against City and turned the spurs game on it's head last season. He's still a work in progress but he's had too many games where he's shown class to write him off in such a way.

The Owen comparison is funny because he had that Liverpool assist where he ran through there defence to assist Ade and that was compared to Owen's World cup 98 goal. What would be the story if Owen was played out on the wing just because of that run and his pace?

[Olivier's xmas twist]

We really shouldn't be pinning this just on Wenger either - how many national managers have played him in a similar position (in Capello's case even deeper)? It can't be coincidence that they all arrive at a similar decision on where he should be played. He can say he has 'learnt his trade' there but to me, that's just code for my heart isn't in playing there anymore.

Gervinho this season is the benchmark for Theo, not neccesarily in finishing, I mean I think two of them haven't landed yet but in terms of making the given role work. There hasn't been too many times I can remember Theo has been in the position for a tap-in, like Gervinho has this season. We're not playing with conventional strikers, we haven't for a very long time - even Giroud still pulls left like every 'big man' we've had up front for time immemorial.

Spot on, but because Wenger broke his promise we must blame him, must be Wengers fault Theo did not play in the 2006 WC to, must have told sven not to.

[Bergkampwonderland10]

We really shouldn't be pinning this just on Wenger either - how many national managers have played him in a similar position (in Capello's case even deeper)? It can't be coincidence that they all arrive at a similar decision on where he should be played. He can say he has 'learnt his trade' there but to me, that's just code for my heart isn't in playing there anymore.

Gervinho this season is the benchmark for Theo, not neccesarily in finishing, I mean I think two of them haven't landed yet but in terms of making the given role work. There hasn't been too many times I can remember Theo has been in the position for a tap-in, like Gervinho has this season. We're not playing with conventional strikers, we haven't for a very long time - even Giroud still pulls left like every 'big man' we've had up front for time immemorial.

Yep!

[Letters]

Henry: Hey boss, if you don't play me up front this season I'm going to go cry to the papers.
Wenger: No you need to work on beating your man at pace first, then you can play anywhere you want
Henry: Ok
= Arsenal Legend ;) who never earnt more than 100k a week, even when offered silly money elsewhere.
Until he buggered off the Barca for a bit lol :)
Making up a conversation which never happened doesn't really add anything to this discussion.

[Cripps_orig]

I don't disagree with any of that, or giving him a go. I just think the whole contract situation and his 'attitude' if you like is not good. Not good for him, not for the club and am sure Van Persie had a word in his ear on his way up to Manchester. That's all. I'd like nothing more than walcott to stay, sign a 5 year deal at 75k or 100k whatever, and show us that he can be an Arsenal legend.

I dont see an attitude. I see a young man standing up for himself to get what he wants. Hes not asking for a move away or for more money. Hes asking for Wenger to keep his word. Especially when you consider the crap we have played upfront this season already and in years gone by

Can Wenger keep it? We shall see

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Henry: Hey boss, if you don't play me up front this season I'm going to go cry to the papers.
Wenger: No you need to work on beating your man at pace first, then you can play anywhere you want
Henry: Ok
= Arsenal Legend ;) who never earnt more than 100k a week, even when offered silly money elsewhere.
Until he buggered off the Barca for a bit lol :)

TBf to Theo its not just him, its the dun thing with players these days run to the media as soon as they are not happy or tweet shite about it.

If Theo is not happy then he should do what he feels is right, and if that is leaving the so be it. If he wants to stay then sign a new deal and stfu.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

National managers play players for the most part where they are played for their club.

If Theo played upfront for us then he'd play upfront for England.

Do not forget, Rooney is undroppable regardless of how shits hes been for England and they only play one upfront and its bound to be him

I don't think that's true really. For instance I don't believe Capello is that much of a patsy he would blindly follow what Wenger had been doing. I'd say Rooney's game for England is still to drop deep a lot of the time whereas for Man Utd he has essentially morphed in to a predator in the box.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

I dont see an attitude. I see a young man standing up for himself to get what he wants. Hes not asking for a move away or for more money. Hes asking for Wenger to keep his word. Especially when you consider the crap we have played upfront this season already and in years gone by

Can Wenger keep it? We shall see

His body langauge on the pitch says diffrent. This is not the Theo who had that good game vs Barca, eho was alll happy, you can see the lad is not really happy and is considering things.

Do you think 100% he is not thinking about leaving?

[Letters]

I dont see an attitude. I see a young man standing up for himself to get what he wants. Hes not asking for a move away or for more money. Hes asking for Wenger to keep his word. Especially when you consider the crap we have played upfront this season already and in years gone by

Can Wenger keep it? We shall seeI don't think Walcott is being massively unreasonable saying that he wants to play up front.
I don't think Wenger's being massively unreasonable if he thinks Walcott isn't right for that role.
If that means he leaves the club due to 'artistic differences' then so be it.

[Bergkampwonderland10]

What do you think he's been doing since signing? He's been playing out of position for the boss for years and it hasn't helped his reputation at all. Sweeping statements about his ability are all too common these days. It's as if his first goal for Arsenal has been wiped from history with the stuff he's done recently. He's had games where he's torn through Liverpool's defence, shell shocked Barca, got one over Ashely Cole and caused problems for Chelsea, problems against City and turned the spurs game on it's head last season. He's still a work in progress but he's had too many games where he's shown class to write him off in such a way.

The Owen comparison is funny because he had that Liverpool assist where he ran through there defence to assist Ade and that was compared to Owen's World cup 98 goal. What would be the story if Owen was played out on the wing just because of that run and his pace?

Funny he was never played as a striker at southampton either. He scored his goals cutting in from the wings. Players at 17 don't always have a position. And how has he been playing out of a position for years!!! Ridiculous...he should be proud to wear the shirt wherever he is on the pitch. Van Persie wasn't played as a central striker til last season.
I didn't write him off, merely labelled his weaknesses that he has shown i.e.. holding up the ball to bring others into the attack, beating his man CONSISTENTLY! and that my friend is the key. Owen could always beat his man, make himself a yard and scoop that ball in the net. Even Walcott himself said - he wasn't 'bothered' about scoring goals. Seriously, the kid needs the help and support of a manager like Wenger...but his impatience will just turn him into the next Bentley...lost in limbo, a squad player and I don;t even know who he plays for now...somewhere in Israel.

[Cripps_orig]

His body langauge on the pitch says diffrent. This is not the Theo who had that good game vs Barca, eho was alll happy, you can see the lad is not really happy and is considering things.

Do you think 100% he is not thinking about leaving?
Body language seemed fine to me when Kos scored v City. He was as happy as anyone else.

I dont know what hes thinking. I dont know the dude but i would be surprised if he isnt thinking of it. His contract is ending next summer and he needs to do what he thinks is best for his career. Atm as he says, he thinks its staying at Arsenal and becoming a legend as we all hope he will become but does Wenger?

The ball is in Wengers court

[Master Splinter]

Making up a conversation which never happened doesn't really add anything to this discussion.

Disgusting how Clint is treated around here.

[Cripps_orig]

I don't think Walcott is being massively unreasonable saying that he wants to play up front.
I don't think Wenger's being massively unreasonable if he thinks Walcott isn't right for that role.
If that means he leaves the club due to 'artistic differences' then so be it.

That would be fair enough if Wenger hadnt played Gervinho upfront and Theo is better than him so why play Gerv and not Theo?

Giroud has flopped as well so not someone we can rely on

We dpnt have many options. Id rather keep Podolski on the left. Theo might be our last hope. Unless we want to bring in Chamakh?? Or how about we try Arshavin upfront again as we did couple of seasons back?

All these players got their turn upfront, Theo hasnt and he'd arguably be better than them all

[Özim]

He's got a year left, if moves on then good luck to him, he'll be out of contract and fully entitled to.

I just don't think he's got much of a future with us, he's been with us since 2006 and really hasn't been played as striker much by Wenger...that's 6 years, that in itself must tell you everything you need to, he doesn't want to play Walcott up front.

He hasn't in his 6 years with us ever put together and string of performances that made you think he's finally arrived, likewise for England most of the time he's failed to perform, I don't know many players who get as long as he has had and still have been unable to convince people they're the real deal.

If he moves to a smaller club where he gets more games then he might carve out a decent career as a good player scoring a few goals in the process, if he moves ot a top club don't think he'll do anything, he won't get the game time because he's just not playing at a high enough or consistent enough level.

[Bergkampwonderland10]

That would be fair enough if Wenger hadnt played Gervinho upfront and Theo is better than him so why play Gerv and not Theo?

Giroud has flopped as well so not someone we can rely on

We dpnt have many options. Id rather keep Podolski on the left. Theo might be our last hope. Unless we want to bring in Chamakh?? Or how about we try Arshavin upfront again as we did couple of seasons back?

All these players got their turn upfront, Theo hasnt and he'd arguably be better than them all

Well he needs to sign a contract extension for a couple of seasons and insert a little clause in there which says...I will only play for you if I play upfront though ;)

[Letters]

That would be fair enough if Wenger hadnt played Gervinho upfront and Theo is better than him so why play Gerv and not Theo?

Giroud has flopped as well so not someone we can rely onTheo isn't better than Gervinho IMO.
You're being a WUM about Giroud. We're 4 games in. :rolleyes:

[Bergkampwonderland10]

Seriously since when does a player tell the manager where to play him..and do so via the papers! lol...how times have changed.

[Bergkampwonderland10]

Smacks of Van Persie and his agents...hey guys I really wanted to stay but I just couldn't because I don't agree with the manager's transfers.

[Özim]

Smacks of Van Persie and his agents...hey guys I really wanted to stay but I just couldn't because I don't agree with the manager's transfers.
Yeah except he was right, we cashed in again.

[Letters]

Seriously since when does a player tell the manager where to play him..and do so via the papers! lol...how times have changed.I agree it shouldn't be all over the papers although that is a sign of the times.
But as for wanting to play in a certain position, that's perfectly reasonable.
And it's perfectly reasonable for Wenger to see it differently and play him where he wants.

I don't think anyone is being a **** here.

[Letters]

Yeah except he was right, we cashed in again.
Van Persie engineered the move with that statement, his position was pretty much untenable after that.

[Bergkampwonderland10]

Yeah except he was right, we cashed in again.
We had to cash in again. :popcorn:
Robin seems more than happy with his 200k a week and rubbing rooney's thigh better - how can we compete with that?

[Cripps_orig]

Theo isn't better than Gervinho IMO.
You're being a WUM about Giroud. We're 4 games in. :rolleyes:

6 in fact, 5 league and 1 CL and Giroud has shown flashes of good play but not enough. He had one good season in France and hes in his mid 20s. Not what id call an awesome career so far. Should have left him in France, see if he can produce the same kind of form for a 2nd season and then put in a bid if he did.

Right now, hes regarded as the French Kevin Phillips. One good season and shite before and after it

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Yeah except he was right, we cashed in again.

Yet Theo has stayed at the club even though he was not happy strange that?

[Cripps_orig]

Seriously since when does a player tell the manager where to play him..and do so via the papers! lol...how times have changed.

Glad he went to the papers tbh

Or we'd know f all about it and clueless people would think its for money when its clear its not

[Özim]

Van Persie engineered the move with that statement, his position was pretty much untenable after that.
I think it was clear that he was on his way out long before he came out with the statement, Wenger pretty much said he signed Podolski and Giroud to replace him.

My point was that this summer we signed 3 players and recouped all the money (and a bit more) by selling 2 1st teamers. RVP also moved to Man U, which many people would have said should be the club he moves to for football reasons.

[Letters]

6 in fact, 5 league and 1 CL and Giroud has shown flashes of good play but not enough. He had one good season in France and hes in his mid 20s. Not what id call an awesome career so far. Should have left him in France, see if he can produce the same kind of form for a 2nd season and then put in a bid if he did.

Right now, hes regarded as the French Kevin Phillips. One good season and shite before and after it
I'm not sure about Giroud right now, he's got in the right position a couple of times but missed the target. He hasn't played all of our games so far. By to label him a flop this early is ridiculous and you know it. Which doesn't mean he won't be one of course but let's give him a chance.

[Özim]

We had to cash in again. :popcorn:
Robin seems more than happy with his 200k a week and rubbing rooney's thigh better - how can we compete with that?
Might have been easier if we'd been winning stuff in the last 7 years tbh!

[Santi Clause]

Would be nice if Theo could stay. He does offer something a bit different in terms of pace and as as long as he is not injured (often happens) or running down blind alleys and losing possession (happens even more often) he does offer a more direct mode of attach than our more cautious attacking play.

As for Giroud being a "flop" I would suggest giving him a bit longer before naming him as the natural successor to Chamakh.

[Dennis Bendtner]

the best conclusion is Wenger does not rate Theo much any more. On balance he probably thinks Oxlade could perform similarly in the short to medium-term. I really do think the W_U_F thing is Theo having an illusion of Arsenal playing 442 Bergkamp off Henry. Things have changed.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Ok let's not veer back to the same old conversations about our inglorious recent history.

[Özim]

Yet Theo has stayed at the club even though he was not happy strange that?
It seems noone was interested in stumping up the cash for him.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Theo isn't better than Gervinho IMO.
You're being a WUM about Giroud. We're 4 games in. :rolleyes:

But he didnt score 40 goals and assist 20 others in the few minutes he was on so must be shit

[Letters]

I think it was clear that he was on his way out long before he came out with the statement, Wenger pretty much said he signed Podolski and Giroud to replace him.
I think Wenger said pretty much the exact opposite of that. I was never sure I believed him though.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

It seems noone was interested in stumping up the cash for him.

Don't see why not he is a top top striker tbh.

[Cripps_orig]

But he didnt score 40 goals and assist 20 others in the few minutes he was on so must be shit

:blink:

[Olivier's xmas twist]

I think Wenger said pretty much the exact opposite of that. I was never sure I believed him though.

Wenger said it, but its common sense to know that none of these players were ever bought to replace rvp. Sorry for talking about old stuff maccy.

[Özim]

I think Wenger said pretty much the exact opposite of that. I was never sure I believed him though.
I thought I saw him confirm that he'd bought them for that reason (think I'd posted the link the story a while back).

I personally always felt he was on the way out, particularly after we signed Podolski, players don't often let their contracts run down to 1 year if they're completely happy.

[Bergkampwonderland10]

I agree it shouldn't be all over the papers although that is a sign of the times.
But as for wanting to play in a certain position, that's perfectly reasonable.
And it's perfectly reasonable for Wenger to see it differently and play him where he wants.

I don't think anyone is being a **** here.
I think I'm a little more cynical than you letters - and the reason is simple. It was walcott and his people that delayed contract talks initially because he wanted to see if we got CL footie...remember now he's 22, not as if he's running out of time is it? Then a very good deal was offered and rejected over reported 75k - 100k difference...and now it's not about that at all...it;s always been because he wants to play upfront. Now if Van Persie was still here and playing up front, do you think Walcott would ever dare to say anything like that? - think this young man getting a bit ahead of himself and listening to the wrong people. He wants to go. It's obvious. If Man U come in with an offer for example he'd be off quicker than you could say boo, regardless if we were playing him upfront. Van Persie sent out a strong signal with his statement and impressionable players like walcott fell for it, hook, line and sinker. He wont sign even if he plays every game from now until Jan up front....which of course he now wont because he's basically challenged Wenger's power...so then he'll know he'll have the perfect 'alibi' to leave with his 'conscience' clear. It's very transparent for me.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

:blink:

Well you have already written him off anyways.

[Bergkampwonderland10]

Might have been easier if we'd been winning stuff in the last 7 years tbh!

Might have been easier if RVP had contributed in those 7 years tbh...and when he finally had the chance to repay a little bit...and actually help us win something, he didn't.

[Master Splinter]

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http://www.premiershipticketsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Arsene-Wenger-2.jpg

[Letters]

I thought I saw him confirm that he'd bought them for that reason (think I'd posted the link the story a while back).

I personally always felt he was on the way out, particularly after we signed Podolski, players don't often let their contracts run down to 1 year if they're completely happy.Pretty sure initially he said he was going to keep RvP and they were additions but yeah, I never quite believed him. Meh. Whatever. We're getting off topic.

[Cripps_orig]

Well you have already written him off anyways.

Never said i have written him off

[Özim]

Might have been easier if RVP had contributed in those 7 years tbh...and when he finally had the chance to repay a little bit...and actually help us win something, he didn't.
So he's hatful of goals last season didn't single handledly get us into the CL?

His contract was almost up, he was 29 and looking to win stuff, don't blame him for leaving, especially when it's clear we're not willing to invest in the team (well not money we haven't got from selling anyway). There's only so long you can believe in the fairytale.

Anyway this is about Walcott, not RVP....he's gone now.

[Power n Glory]

And my question is this...why is his little problem with not being played up front in the papers now? Anyone who says they want to be an 'Arsenal legend' like Thierry Henry, yet doesn't have the belief in the judgement of the man that helped to make the legend that is Thierry Henry has a bit of a problem if you ask me. If Wenger feels Walcott still needs more time to consistently beat his man on the wing before turning him into a striker (and I have no doubt that has always been wenger's plan for walcott) then he needs to accept that. He is not going to ever be a top 10 premier league striker without that I'm afraid. Gervinho spent all of last season beating the man on the wing, just didn't quite know how to finish...but I think Wenger has seen that now he needs to work on his finishing. If you could mould walcott and gervinho they'd be a very very good player. Walcott wants out though, I still firmly believe that.

Come on now. Never be a top 10 striker without being able to beat your man! Do you think Defoe would make a good winger and be able to consistently beat his man? What about Dzeko? Holt, Adebayor, Hernandez, Berbatov?

If Wenger was to place Giroud on the wing, top goal scorer in France, do you think he'd be able to consistently beat his man? I get what Wenger is trying to do but you don't have to have mad dribbling skills to play as a striker. If so, he might as well call it a day with Giroud. Even Poldoski, he doesn't hug the touch line and run at defenders with the ball like Gervinho does. He plays one twos and gets around them that way. Vela had no impact for us on the wing and it was the same for Eduardo but they were both natural goal scorers, technically better than Theo but they had problems getting into games when out wide.

If other other coaches can make do with different types of strikers, why can't Wenger. Cesc Fabregas could never play out on the wing and beat his man but he's still able to play that false 9 role effectively for Spain and Barca. We need to make use of the players we have and play to a players strengths and stop this total football obsession where everybody can play every role.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

But he didnt score 40 goals and assist 20 others in the few minutes he was on so must be shit

So When its about theo its ok :haha:

[Seymour Butts]

Thing is I actually think Walcott would have taken one of those chances against city had he been in the same position as Gerviniho

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Never said i have written him off

You've branded shite since he got here.

[Özim]

Come on now. Never be a top 10 striker without being able to beat your man! Do you think Defoe would make a good winger and be able to consistently beat his man? What about Dzeko? Holt, Adebayor, Hernandez, Berbatov?

If Wenger was to place Giroud on the wing, top goal scorer in France, do you think he'd be able to consistently beat his man? I get what Wenger is trying to do but you don't have to have mad dribbling skills to play as a striker. If so, he might as well call it a day with Giroud. Even Poldoski, he doesn't hug the touch line and run at defenders with the ball like Gervinho does. He plays one twos and gets around them that way. Vela had no impact for us on the wing and it was the same for Eduardo but they were both natural goal scorers, technically better than Theo but they had problems getting into games when out wide.

If other other coaches can make do with different types of strikers, why can't Wenger. Cesc Fabregas could never play out on the wing and beat his man but he's still able to play that false 9 role effectively for Spain and Barca. We need to make use of the players we have and play to a players strengths and stop this total football obsession where everybody can play every role.
The thing is though most of the players you mentioned had proved themselves at a club in their respective positions, Walcott hasn't.

Most people are just not convinced about him, whether it be on the wing or up front. If he was that good he'd have taken his chances when he did feature up front and convinced everyone that's where he has to be played. He's clearly not done that.

[Kano]

I don't think Wenger's being massively unreasonable if he thinks Walcott isn't right for that role.

after spending the past four seasons saying it was going to happen, it would be pretty much out of order.

[LDG]

walcott is an english gervinho. gervinho is an ivorian walcott.


also when we went to asia walcott was asked to 'draw anything he wanted which meant something to him'. this is what he drew:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A3oasuxCQAEe9l3.png


id say he's a gooner through and through but i said that about a certain c*nt last season..

What is it?

[Letters]

after spending the past four seasons saying it was going to happen, it would be pretty much out of order.I don't think he's spent the last 4 years saying that over and over again.
And even if he had, Walcott hasn't progressed the way we all hoped. Surely even if Wenger said it, it was conditional on Walcott developing as expected.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

So he's hatful of goals last season didn't single handledly get us into the CL?

His contract was almost up, he was 29 and looking to win stuff, don't blame him for leaving, especially when it's clear we're not willing to invest in the team (well not money we haven't got from selling anyway). There's only so long you can believe in the fairytale.

Anyway this is about Walcott, not RVP....he's gone now.

Had no problem with RVC wanting to goal, after all like you say at 29 he'd want to win things, if the club is not matching his ambition then he has to leave.

However, he could have left like Nasri did, like Cesc did, etc and i think more fans would have supported him instead of the backlash he got.

[Kano]

I don't think he's spent the last 4 years saying that over and over again.
And even if he had, Walcott hasn't progressed the way we all hoped. Surely even if Wenger said it, it was conditional on Walcott developing as expected.

every season he has come out at some point to say that the move will happen and that theo is right for it.

he said it last season too.

[Cripps_orig]

So When its about theo its ok :haha:
What? :blink:

[Cripps_orig]

Theo is calling Wengers bluff

Good on him

[Syn]

Theo is calling Wengers bluff

Never said he wasn't.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Come on now. Never be a top 10 striker without being able to beat your man! Do you think Defoe would make a good winger and be able to consistently beat his man? What about Dzeko? Holt, Adebayor, Hernandez, Berbatov?

If Wenger was to place Giroud on the wing, top goal scorer in France, do you think he'd be able to consistently beat his man? I get what Wenger is trying to do but you don't have to have mad dribbling skills to play as a striker. If so, he might as well call it a day with Giroud. Even Poldoski, he doesn't hug the touch line and run at defenders with the ball like Gervinho does. He plays one twos and gets around them that way. Vela had no impact for us on the wing and it was the same for Eduardo but they were both natural goal scorers, technically better than Theo but they had problems getting into games when out wide.

If other other coaches can make do with different types of strikers, why can't Wenger. Cesc Fabregas could never play out on the wing and beat his man but he's still able to play that false 9 role effectively for Spain and Barca. We need to make use of the players we have and play to a players strengths and stop this total football obsession where everybody can play every role.

No because its not his posistion and he has proved himself a stiker. he has done that from his Westham days. Yeah Theo may have been a stiker at saints but doing it there and doing it at Arsenal are 2 diffrent things. Do you think He could lead the line alone and we can rely on him when we play teams like Barca/Real etc?

[Syn]

Theo is calling Wenger buff

Theo :lol:

What a bender.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Theo is calling Wengers bluff

Good on him

Figure it out.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

]every season he has come out at some point to say that the move will happen and that theo is right for it.[/B]

he said it last season too.

Wenger says alot of things. End of the day Wenger and Bould and the Stiker coach/es see him in training and if they feel he is not progressing then he won't be played upfront regarless of what Wenger tells the press.

I Theo feels he is being hard done by then he should have left a few seasons ago.

[Kano]

No because its not his posistion and he has proved himself a stiker. he has done that from his Westham days. Yeah Theo may have been a stiker at saints but doing it there and doing it at Arsenal are 2 diffrent things. Do you think He could lead the line alone and we can rely on him when we play teams like Barca/Real etc?

september last year

"“But I believe that Oxlade-Chamberlain could be a central midfielder one day and Walcott a central striker one day."

"“Many times in press conference people ask me why we don’t play Walcott in the middle so he can play there if we need to do it.”"

[Letters]

"one day".

But don't you think Theo needs to show something in training and in games for that to happen?

[Kano]

Wenger says alot of things. End of the day Wenger and Bould and the Stiker coach/es see him in training and if they feel he is not progressing then he won't be played upfront regarless of what Wenger tells the press.

I Theo feels he is being hard done by then he should have left a few seasons ago.

i guess its called faith in the manager, rather than running off at the first sight of disagreement. that's what we want as fans isn't it?

he can tell the press what he wants of course but if he thinks that doesnt come back to the players then he is in cloud cuckooland.

[Kano]

"one day".

But don't you think Theo needs to show something in training and in games for that to happen?

ah yeah right. score 11 goals, set up 13 others and then there is no way he can link play or score goals.

he's being mugged off by wenger.

the 2nd quote says he can play there now.