What now for Walcott?

[milla]

With his current contract situation, it is better to drop him altogether from the first team. Today, Wenger could had Le Coq instead of Walcott on the bench and that could balanced up our midfield after Diaby's injury.

This "you will not start if you don't sign but you will be use as subs" shit is not good for the team and the player himself. :coffee:

[gunnerrrrr]

This situation needs to be sorted out fast because it's getting dangerous now.

His performance level has dropped and won't improve until there is clarification on his future.

We can't carry passengers.
Gadizas and Wenger doing another word class job with player contracts

[Cripps_orig]

so thats a defence is it? he played today and was so annoymous no one can remember anything he did on the pitch or even if he actually played but because he claims to be a striker and scored a +1 against southampton its all ok.

Well yes if you are using the hilarious "he doesnt do it in the big games" excuse.

He has to play in them first. Coming off the bench when Chelsea are dominating and we cant get the ball, it was always going to be difficult to get the ball but lets blame THeo for that :rolleyes:

No critisism of your beloved Kos i see. Proves you are on the wind up about Theo and looking to lay the blame on him instead of whee it deserves to be

[Joker]

He only had 24 minutes on the pitch today and 18 against Man City. Hardly much time to make an impact.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Gadizas and Wenger doing another word class job with player contracts

So we should just give Theo 100K just to sort out his deal.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

He only had 24 minutes on the pitch today and 18 against Man City. Hardly much time to make an impact.

Rubbish any good striker could, people like Sergio Ageuro/Tevez would have made an impact.

[Ollie the Optimist]

He only had 24 minutes on the pitch today and 18 against Man City. Hardly much time to make an impact.


grioud manages it. yes he fucks up but he still makes an impact and creates chances via his runs etc.

[Ollie the Optimist]

Well yes if you are using the hilarious "he doesnt do it in the big games" excuse.

He has to play in them first. Coming off the bench when Chelsea are dominating and we cant get the ball, it was always going to be difficult to get the ball but lets blame THeo for that :rolleyes:

No critisism of your beloved Kos i see. Proves you are on the wind up about Theo and looking to lay the blame on him instead of whee it deserves to be

ive slated kos today, maybe not on here but elsewhere.

giroud got the ball, played the same time as him. why didnt theo? why was theo never on the wing, the ball always went to the ox because theo was just nowhere

[Joker]

grioud manages it. yes he fucks up but he still makes an impact and creates chances via his runs etc.

Easier to make an impact when you're playing as centre forward and the midfielders are looking to play you in. If Walcott was bought on and told to stay in the centre I'm sure we'd notice him a lot more.

[Ollie the Optimist]

Easier to make an impact when you're playing as centre forward and the midfielders are looking to play you in. If Walcott was bought on and told to stay in the centre I'm sure we'd notice him a lot more.

funny how he was never on the wing, we put loads of crosses in yet he was never the one there, it was ox. so that must means he played centre, othewrise why would the ox be on the wing? he did nohting, he can fuck off

[gooners]

Easier to make an impact when you're playing as centre forward and the midfielders are looking to play you in. If Walcott was bought on and told to stay in the centre I'm sure we'd notice him a lot more.

shoosh ---- it makes no difference. he has to always make an impact in his unfavored position.

[Joker]

funny how he was never on the wing, we put loads of crosses in yet he was never the one there, it was ox. so that must means he played centre, othewrise why would the ox be on the wing? he did nohting, he can fuck off

So because he's not done much in 2 substitute appearances you want him to fuck off? You're judging him on that?

[Olivier's xmas twist]

funny how he was never on the wing, we put loads of crosses in yet he was never the one there, it was ox. so that must means he played centre, othewrise why would the ox be on the wing? he did nohting, he can fuck off

Remember who your replying too. This is the guy who said RVP was shite last season.

[Joker]

Remember who your replying too. This is the guy who said RVP was shite last season.

What are you talking about?

[Ollie the Optimist]

So because he's not done much in 2 substitute appearances you want him to fuck off? You're judging him on that?

hes done nohting all season. all his time here, he has been great one match then shit for the next few. im judging him on that. been here 6 years and done fuck all in the grand scheme of things.

[gooners]

errm......... he has played little all season. plus he has asked to be played in his favored position --- neither has happened; so why do you expect any decent displays when he is playing the odd 20mins in his unfavored position? :rolleyes:

[Dennis Bendtner]

Oh dear god, this thread and the Koscielny one are clusterfucks of agendas and +1s, you may as well close them.

[Ollie the Optimist]

errm......... he has played little all season. plus he has asked to be played in his favored position --- neither has happened; so why do you expect any decent displays when he is playing the odd 20mins in his unfavored position? :rolleyes:

hes played right wing for 6 years, and been a striker in a handful of games. he should be doing osmething. but using your logic, we wont slate giroud for missing those chances as he has played little all season

[gooners]

oh dear.

giroud can play as goalkeeper for 20yrs, if he feels it is not his natural position he will never be a more than an average goalkeeper.

got it? :coffee:

[Ollie the Optimist]

oh dear.

giroud can play as goalkeeper for 20yrs, if he feels it is not his natural position he will never be a more than an average goalkeeper.

got it? :coffee:


however he would put the effort in. and at least try, thats my probelm with theo, he doesnt put hte effort in. he didnt today because he did fuck all, so much so that people forgot he was on the pitch

[gooners]

he wont when he has had enough of it!


especially when mongs like giroud and chamakh are masquerading around at afc as strikers.

[Ollie the Optimist]

he wont when he has had enough of it!

so because theo has had enough of it, that gives him teh excuse to put fuck all effort in for the company taht still pays him?

[gooners]

so because theo has had enough of it, that gives him teh excuse to put fuck all effort in for the company taht still pays him?

yes -- he is disillusioned; he has not signed a new contract for that reason --- he is gone.


by the way, it is you who is claiming he is not putting the effort in -- wenger is still using him, as a sub :good:

[Olivier's xmas twist]

he wont when he has had enough of it!


especially when mongs like giroud and chamakh are masquerading around at afc as strikers.

This you can see his head as gone can't you ? i don't blame him if he wants to go.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

so because theo has had enough of it, that gives him teh excuse to put fuck all effort in for the company taht still pays him?

This is where Wenger fucks up, If your not going to start him cause of then don't play him at all till he signs.

[milla]

This is where Wenger fucks up, If your not going to start him cause of then don't play him at all till he signs.

Tis, Wenger should man up and drop Feo entirely. :gp:

[Power n Glory]

however he would put the effort in. and at least try, thats my probelm with theo, he doesnt put hte effort in. he didnt today because he did fuck all, so much so that people forgot he was on the pitch

Rubbish. If Theo had missed that chance you'd never be as lenient. If you think he's that shit, what exactly do you expect him to with less than 30 minutes on the pith when supposed superior players couldn't produce anything with 90+ minutes?

This is just another excuse to bash him.

[Niall_Quinn]

It wasn't about missed chances, lack of chances, or any of the end result with Walcott today. It was his lack of effort. He let Jenkinson do all the running today while he sauntered. He's whole game is pace and yet he was easily outstripped on several occasions, clearly because he couldn't be arsed. I wonder if everyone would be so quick to forgive a "disillusioned" power worker when their lights went out, or a pissed-off tube driver when the train ran the buffers. He gets paid to do a job and he made no effort to do it today. There's no room for excuses and I have no idea why people want to make those excuses on his behalf. Arsenal isn't run by Theo Walcott. If the manager wants him to play in a certain position he should play there or find another team if he doesn't like it. Why does he even have to negotiate a contract? He's not being played where he wants - the poor sod instead has to play for a top 4 team that's always in Europe and also play International football on the back of it. I can imagine a lot of right arms being handed over for that sort of opportunity. But precious Theo thinks he;s worth more than that, even though he rarely puts in a performance to back up his claims. Put kindly, he's a dislikeable fellow. All mouth no action. He was a disgrace today. In fact I even wonder if he disobeyed the manager given the amount of times he drifted in - again to no effect of course (so much for being a striker). Capello slaughtered him for ignoring instructions, maybe our Theo thought the striker role suited him better at the national level too. Was today a repeat? Anyway, the sooner were shot of him the better. Get a player in who gives thanks every night he an play on the wing for Arsenal.

[Cripps_orig]

Yeah stick to the money thing

Although wrong, seeing you trying to find new ways to ridicule a player is embarrassing to you, me and GW

NQ :rose:

For what you were and not what you have become

Anyway


Manchester City and Liverpool have promised to play Theo Walcott as a striker, rather than keep him in the winger role he occupies for Arsenal. The 23-year-old's current contract expires at the end of the season.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Hes gone :(

[Niall_Quinn]

Yeah stick to the money thing

Although wrong, seeing you trying to find new ways to ridicule a player is embarrassing to you, me and GW

NQ :rose:

For what you were and not what you have become

Anyway



Hes gone :(

Good riddance, plus it weakens our opponents by selling to them, for a change.

[Cripps_orig]

Agreed

Selling a pacey striker who scores and assists sure is weakening opponents.

[Niall_Quinn]

Agreed

Selling a pacey striker who scores and assists sure is weakening opponents.

He'll do for them what he's done for us, have the odd decent game. The press will go mad for him just to sell a few papers. Then the fuss will die off and Theo will just be taking up a place on the roster than could be used for a 100% player with less frills but 50 times the production. Walcott needs ten chances to do one thing right. That's not good enough at the top level.

[Kyle?]

He's as good as gone IMO. His body language shows a man who feels he no longer belongs.

[gooners]

Get a player in who gives thanks every night he an play on the wing for Arsenal. Yes, like a PROPER winger :good:

not forcing it on the likes walcott,arshavin,rosicky,hleb. do you notice a trend since pires and ljunbergs days?

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Yeah stick to the money thing

Although wrong, seeing you trying to find new ways to ridicule a player is embarrassing to you, me and GW

NQ :rose:

For what you were and not what you have become

Anyway



Hes gone :(

Will he really play many games as a striker for them though. I mean he is not really better then any of their strikers. he'd be better of going to liverpool.

[Cripps_orig]

Which current player in world football do you consider to be a legend and why?
Abhilash Ramachandran — Bangalore, India

TW: I would probably go for Lionel Messi ahead of Thierry Henry, just because he’s so young and he’s done absolutely everything. I managed to play against him when he scored four goals against us which was unreal. What he said about me of being one of the most dangerous players he’s played against means a lot.

What impact have the new signings made in the dressing room?
Renato – London

TW: They’ve freshened things up and settled in very well. Santi Cazorla has definitely stood out – he’s like the conductor of the team. He’s in my Dream Team which is scoring me points as well!

Do you think Arsenal can win the title in the next two years?
Christian Tapia — Mexico City

TW: We can definitely challenge for it. We need to believe we can win something this year. The fans have been so patient and we players want it so badly. I believe we can.

Do you think the current Arsenal squad is better than the 2005-06 squad when you joined the club?
Kassahun Bekele — Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

TW: That squad had Premier League winners. When I first went into it, it was unreal and so daunting. But now I would say the team is technically much better. It’s young, fresh, quick and improving every day. We just need that first trophy.

Robin van Persie seemed like he was an older brother to you at Arsenal and geniuinely wanted you to do well. Do you miss having him around at Arsenal?
Khalid Alsayed — Tempe, Arizona

TW: Of course. You always miss your best players and he’s a great man and great professional. I wish him good luck at Manchester United. He’s always looked after me and always backed me up. I do miss him but you’ve just got to get on with it and wish him all the best.

With the new signings, is it more difficult for you to make it into the first team this season?
Miles Sissling – Keighley

TW: I wouldn’t say so. I feel like I justified what I can do last season. I set up a lot of Robin’s goals, scored 11 for a winger, previously scoring 13 the year before that and that was as a winger. Now the next step is to play up front – the manager has promised me that I will play up front and I’m sure it will happen now.

How do you think Lukas Podolski has adapted to Arsenal’s style so far?
Max Altner

TW: He’s definitely a character. He’s settled in well and his English is perfect. He’s making that left side his own, not just going forward but defending. He’s going to make the team better.

Who in your opinion is the next big player to come through at Arsenal who has not broken into the first team yet?
James Bunyan

TW: Conor Henderson. He’s had a lot of injury problems at such a young age which has stuttered his opportunities. He’s done his cruciate ligament twice which is sad to see. But he could be the next one. He’s been training with us and he looks top drawer.

Do you see your future as a striker or winger? Has Arsene Wenger encouraged you to learn from Thierry Henry?
Adam Abdullah – Luton

TW: I’ve learnt not just from Thierry but from some of the best strikers around – Dennis Bergkamp, Robin. I was signed as a striker and I know what I can do up front. I can definitely do more as a striker. It’s just waiting for that chance to come which I’m hopeful will happen soon.

Are you disappointed you haven’t played more in a striker position?
Andrew Rose, London

TW: Of course. It’s always frustrating not getting to play, particularly when you don’t get to play in your position. I’ve learnt my trade as a winger. Thierry broke into the team at 22 and started off on the wing and made it as a striker aged 23, 24. So hopefully fans will see me playing up front soon.

Do you have an ambition to play abroad before the end of your footballing career or do you see yourself playing in the Premier League?
Tom Feaheny

TW: I want to be in the history books as one of the legends of Arsenal. I want to be remembered as part of Arsenal’s history. In football, you never know what might happen, but I would love to continue to be at Arsenal, without a doubt. So I would have to say no.

Who is your best friend with Arsenal and England?
Juliet Kamoga – Uganda

TW: Vito Mannone. I’ve always been good mates with him, we’re very similar. I like winding him up. For England, it would probably be Joe Hart.
What’s your advice to someone who has been out with a long-term injury?
Matthew Lloyd-Ruck

TW: You just need to stick with it. I’ve had a lot of injury problems, but it’s positive thinking. I remember when I first had my shoulder operation, I was down in the dumps for months and it took so long to get back. When I did my other one, I just thought, ‘It’s happened now, you’ve just got to get on with it’.

Have you and Melanie set a date for the wedding?
Fadeke, Milton Keynes

TW: Yes, the date is set!

Are you any good at golf and who is the best golfer at Arsenal?
Charlie Crudgington — Stanford, Essex

TW: I’m the best golfer at Arsenal – I play off 10 and have never had any lessons. Aaron Ramsey has had loads of lessons and he’s still not that good!

Will you ever join Twitter? Why don’t you currently tweet?
Abdulahi Bana – London

TW: I probably won’t join Twitter any time soon. I’ve got some important things going on in my life right now. I do a lot of work for charities. I have Facebook but that’s about it.

When did you first realise that you could write stories for children?
Darell Philip

TW: I’ve always loved working with children and when I was a kid I loved the Goosebump books. I think it’s a good thing to encourage more children to read. A lot of people don’t read much anymore, and my books can hopefully encourage more people to read.

Do you miss being on the cover of FIFA and is there any gloating by the Ox now he features?
Ted – London

TW: Not at all. Every year is different, it was a great time for me but you move on. I’m with Mars at the moment and really enjoying it. This scheme, ‘Just Play’, that I’m currently involved in, is particularly good, where we are encouraging young adults who have lost touch to play.

I know you play table tennis very well — who is your big rival in Arsenal and who is the worst?
Leung Wing Yan — Hong Kong

TW: My main rival at Arsenal was Robin but now is probably Wojciech Szczesny. The worst player would have to be Manny Frimpong. He holds the bat funny, he talks a good game but he’s no good.

Do you think that penalties can be coached or are they all psychological? How can England improve on them?
Joe Burdett

TW: It’s just one of those situations where you don’t want any player to be part of. It’s a bad way to go out of a competition, but that’s the way it is. I don’t know if it’s the pressure, but it’s surreal. It always happens. But I think we will get there, we always practise it.

If Usain Bolt challenged you to a race, would you accept and what do you think the result would be?
Saif Mahmood – Rochdale

TW: I would definitely accept, just to be in the same room as Usain Bolt. He would absolutely smash the hell out of me! I would probably be winning the first 10 metres, because I’m good over the first 10-15m, but that would be it. He’s world class and not human at times. I’m clocking 10.5sec for 100m which, on a pitch, is not bad.

And finally, Theo... we’ve had hundreds of Arsenal fans from around the world wanting to know this: Do you see your long-term future at Arsenal and do you want to sign a new contract?

TW: I’ve said that I’ve always wanted to stay at Arsenal. I love playing for the club, hopefully something can be sorted. It’s not going to happen any time soon, you’ve just got to patient. It’s frustrating at the moment but it’s one of those things that’s not going to happen overnight. If it came to it, and the club had to sell me, I would be disappointed. But I’m quite positive that something can happen soon.

Walcott was speaking to The Sun at the launch of The FA’s Just Play scheme with Mars, which is free for one week across the country from October 8.

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4557049/Theo-Walcott-webchat-Arsenal-star-will-never-join-Twitter.html#ixzz284HltIJ8

Theo :bow:

Seems like a great guy. Very down to earth

NQ :haha:

[gooners]

meh; he is just agitating for a move -- the greedy mercenary! :run:

[Ollie the Optimist]

Theo :bow:

Seems like a great guy. Very down to earth

NQ :haha:

rvc said the same things that he wanted to stay and win things here and be a legend yet he fucked off.


all players should shut hte fuck up right now, do the talking on the pitch, and not in the fucking media

[Olivier's xmas twist]

:lol:

[Cripps_orig]

rvc said the same things that he wanted to stay and win things here and be a legend yet he fucked off.


all players should shut hte fuck up right now, do the talking on the pitch, and not in the fucking media

So what was he going to say to the people who asked him all those question?

"No comment"?

[Ollie the Optimist]

So what was he going to say to the people who asked him all those question?

"No comment"?

they should be banned from giving interviews right now. they do so much talking off the pitch, proclaiming loyalty or how they will improve the next game etc yet never back it up, make them focus on the football and tell them to shut hte fuck up. the fans really dont want to hear about how they want to stay etc then not signing a contract

[Xhaka Can’t]

No, but a player should be primarily judged by what they deliver.

I've had enough of listening to our players talk a big game - they are EPL champions at that.

[Cripps_orig]

they should be banned from giving interviews right now. they do so much talking off the pitch, proclaiming loyalty or how they will improve the next game etc yet never back it up, make them focus on the football and tell them to shut hte fuck up. the fans really dont want to hear about how they want to stay etc then not signing a contract

He was talking to the fans and answering their questions

No problem with that.

For too long people have moaned about players being distant from fans. Theo does the opposite and hes being critisised for it. He along with David Villa are restoring my faith in football

[Ollie the Optimist]

He was talking to the fans and answering their questions

No problem with that.

For too long people have moaned about players being distant from fans. Theo does the opposite and hes being critisised for it. He along with David Villa are restoring my faith in football

i owuld rather the Arsenal players shut up right now and focused on the football. the fans would rather that then some fake statement about wanting to stay

[Olivier's xmas twist]

He was talking to the fans and answering their questions

No problem with that.

For too long people have moaned about players being distant from fans. Theo does the opposite and hes being critisised for it. He along with David Villa are restoring my faith in football

Don't you mean David Silva :haha:

[Cripps_orig]

Don't you mean David Silva :haha:
No

Meant David Villa but also Silva as well now you mention it

[Olivier's xmas twist]

i owuld rather the Arsenal players shut up right now and focused on the football. the fans would rather that then some fake statement about wanting to stay

Personally not bothered about the shite that these players spout, because most of it is crap anyways. As long as they do their best while they wear the shit and do their job is good enough for me.

[Cripps_orig]

So Theo is getting critisised for doing a Q&A with fans? :lol:

The lengths his haters go to to have a go at him :lol:

[Olivier's xmas twist]

And finally, Theo... we’ve had hundreds of Arsenal fans from around the world wanting to know this: Do you see your long-term future at Arsenal and do you want to sign a new contract?

TW: I’ve said that I’ve always wanted to stay at Arsenal. I love playing for the club, hopefully something can be sorted. It’s not going to happen any time soon, you’ve just got to patient. It’s frustrating at the moment but it’s one of those things that’s not going to happen overnight. If it came to it, and the club had to sell me, I would be disappointed. But I’m quite positive that something can happen soon.

So Basically he is not signing a deal anytime soon.


If it came to it, and the club had to sell me, I would be disappointed.

Least he knows he may be sold, no one can say he has been led to believe he won't be.

[gooners]

equally, no one can say the club 'had no choice' :good:

[Ollie the Optimist]

equally, no one can say the club 'had no choice' :good:

well yeah they can, if walcott doesnt sign a new deal then they had no choice but to sell him

[gooners]

well, then he also can say that -- if wenger is not willing to play him in his favored position.

[Ollie the Optimist]

well, then he also can say that, if wenger is not willing to play him in his favored position.


the only club that will is liverpool and thats not even 100%. if carrol does well this year he will play next year for them and theo wont play in front of suarez.

and then there is city, if theo thinks he will play as a striker with aguero, tevez, dzecko and ballotelli in front of him, hes deluded

[gooners]

it is HIS choice to make --- not wenger's,gwers' or anyone else's.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

the only club that will is liverpool and thats not even 100%. if carrol does well this year he will play next year for them and theo wont play in front of suarez.

and then there is city, if theo thinks he will play as a striker with aguero, tevez, dzecko and ballotelli in front of him, hes deluded

He won't. That ship has sailed.

I can't see how we wouldn't be interested, should he become available. The only question is whether we could afford him/be willing to pay the money.

If I were him though I'd get an Arsenal contract signed asap.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

well, then he also can say that -- if wenger is not willing to play him in his favored position.

So he is going to say i left because they did not let me play im my fave position and sound like a baby. End of the day if he thinks he is going to go to any of the "big teams" and be 1st choice striker with a 100K a week good luck to him.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

equally, no one can say the club 'had no choice' :good:



If it came to it, and the club had to sell me, I would be disappointed.


Like he said if the club had to sell him, its diffrent to if the club were to sell him.

[Kano]

i owuld rather the Arsenal players shut up right now and focused on the football. the fans would rather that then some fake statement about wanting to stay
that was probably set up by arsenal to 'interact' with the fans.

[Power n Glory]

There we have it. Wenger has promised him more time playing up front and he's uncomfortable playing on the flanks and feels he has more to offer playing up front. As long as he's uncomfortable, he'll always be an inconsistent player for us. Now is the time to talk about his career at Aresnal and his development because quite clearly, a lot of people just don't rate him. We're getting an explanation for the delay at least and if people still want to focus on the money issue…whatever.

The club and player are trying to build bridges because they realise the silence is causing a rift. But even if he signs a new deal and continues to play on the flanks, there will still be haters out there because he's never going realise his full potential out wide. Not on the right wing anyway. The saga continues.

[GP]

It's clearly a money issue.

[Xhaka Can’t]

I don't hate him, I just do not think he is good enough.

Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2

[LDG]

Theo :bow:

Seems like a great guy. Very down to earth

NQ :haha:

Good lad.

Not you, Cripps. Theo.

[LDG]

It's clearly a money issue.

:gp:

He wants to stay at Arsenal.

He says he will be given the chance up front, soon.

What else is left from reasons not to sign a contract?? Hmmm....

[Syn]

I'd like him to stay but I'm not fussed if he goes. I felt the same way about Song. We'll finish 3rd/4th with him and we'll finish 3rd/4th without him. He's not the sort of player that takes you to the next level and, as we know, the club will do just about enough to keep us at this level. Anything more is a bonus. If Walcott goes and we are in danger of slipping, we'll get someone of a similar level in January.

[GP]

I don't hate him, I just do not think he is good enough.

Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2

The Jerk Store called....



...they're running out of you!

[Power n Glory]

I don't hate him, I just do not think he is good enough.

Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2

And if that's the attitude, why would you want him to sign a new deal and to stay playing out wide? I think he's well aware of people's opinions, especially after getting dropped from the England squad and he knows he'll never be able to show people what he's capable of playing out wide.

[GP]

By his own admission, he's been promised a role up front.

And he still hasn't signed a contract.

It's blindingly obvious what his motivation is here.

Blindingly.

[Power n Glory]

:gp:

He wants to stay at Arsenal.

He says he will be given the chance up front, soon.

What else is left from reasons not to sign a contract?? Hmmm....

Who knows what's holding it up, but as with any contract, you don't just check that the money is correct and then put pen to paper. I know I wouldn't.

[Xhaka Can’t]

And if that's the attitude, why would you want him to sign a new deal and to stay playing out wide? I think he's well aware of people's opinions, especially after getting dropped from the England squad and he knows he'll never be able to show people what he's capable of playing out wide.

I've stated many times that I am ambivalent over whether or not he stays. I won't think any less or more of him if he decides to go.

He is useful to have, as his pace can tell late on in games, but I don't think that even warrants the contract he is on.

Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2

[Kano]

I'd like him to stay but I'm not fussed if he goes. I felt the same way about Song. We'll finish 3rd/4th with him and we'll finish 3rd/4th without him. He's not the sort of player that takes you to the next level and, as we know, the club will do just about enough to keep us at this level. Anything more is a bonus. If Walcott goes and we are in danger of slipping, we'll get someone of a similar level in January.

I agree with that too, also about Song. Given the amount of players that have wondered in and out of the club in recent years, losing another won’t really matter as we’ve started from fresh now anyway. 24 goals in two season s is a bloody good return from out wide but fuck him and all everyone else (bar Jenks) as I know none of them and care even less about them.

[IBK]

:gp:

He wants to stay at Arsenal.

He says he will be given the chance up front, soon.

What else is left from reasons not to sign a contract?? Hmmm....

:gp:

[Olivier's xmas twist]

It's clearly a money issue.

That plays a part id say.

[GP]

That plays a part id say.

Well what else is there?

He's already said he's been promised a place up front.

So it's either money, or he hasn't got the stomach to fight for his place.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

I've stated many times that I am ambivalent over whether or not he stays. I won't think any less or more of him if he decides to go.

He is useful to have, as his pace can tell late on in games, but I don't think that even warrants the contract he is on.

Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2

This.

If he signs a new deal and plays to his best, what ever role he is in then good. If he think he can go to another top club and get what he wants good luck to him.

Maybe for his sake and England he needs to leave.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Well what else is there?

He's already said he's been promised a place up front.

So it's either money, or he hasn't got the stomach to fight for his place.

You have a point. Not sure i buy this he'll be disapointed if the club sold him stuff. If he went to his boyhood club pool i think he'd be very happy.

[Power n Glory]

Well what else is there?

He's already said he's been promised a place up front.

So it's either money, or he hasn't got the stomach to fight for his place.

None of us here deal with player contracts but I'd imagine it's a little more complicated than just agreeing a wage and then getting on with it. If you're buying a house, it doesn't just stop at agreeing a price and then moving in. Employment contracts, if they've got some bullshit dismissal and discipline procedure, you're going to question it. If you were told they had a pension scheme or some sort of private healthcare scheme, which were part of the perks discussed in your interview, but there is no mention of it in your contract, you're not going to sign.

I work with contracts, legal teams and sales team. Once a deal is agreed between the sales and acquisitions people, it's over to the lawyers to thrash out the terms, which can sometimes take ages to agree on. With football and these multi million pound contracts, I can't imagine the process being much easier, especially when we factor in performance based perks, image rights and that sort of stuff. We don't know whose holding up what in such cases and it could be a situation where both parties agreed to something with his last contract but now the terms have changed and people want answers. Who knows…heck his last deal took 6 months to sort. If the hold up is money, whose to say the club don't want a bigger slice of his image rights and sponsorship money? There are a load of possibilities when it comes to these sort of things that we won't be aware of.

[Kano]

Sign da ting!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPBm-GvEVlg

[LDG]

:haha:

[LDG]

"....sit on the bench, listen to Frimpong talk about Dench, we got podolski, we got Giroud, even Gervnho's been up front too, so walcott, walcott, what ya gonna do?"

:haha:

[Olivier's xmas twist]

"If you stay i'll be delighted but if you go, don't go UTD " :haha:

[gooners]

None of us here deal with player contracts but I'd imagine it's a little more complicated than just agreeing a wage and then getting on with it. If you're buying a house, it doesn't just stop at agreeing a price and then moving in. Employment contracts, if they've got some bullshit dismissal and discipline procedure, you're going to question it. If you were told they had a pension scheme or some sort of private healthcare scheme, which were part of the perks discussed in your interview, but there is no mention of it in your contract, you're not going to sign.

I work with contracts, legal teams and sales team. Once a deal is agreed between the sales and acquisitions people, it's over to the lawyers to thrash out the terms, which can sometimes take ages to agree on. With football and these multi million pound contracts, I can't imagine the process being much easier, especially when we factor in performance based perks, image rights and that sort of stuff. We don't know whose holding up what in such cases and it could be a situation where both parties agreed to something with his last contract but now the terms have changed and people want answers. Who knows…heck his last deal took 6 months to sort. If the hold up is money, whose to say the club don't want a bigger slice of his image rights and sponsorship money? There are a load of possibilities when it comes to these sort of things that we won't be aware of.

:goodpost:

but why think of all of that when you can just be an armchair critic and slate players for the sake of it?

you know what, if i have to ever look for a job i will just take my employer's word for it that 'he will pay me regularly' (or vaguely that 'i'll be doing paperwork') without any mention of it in my contract --- a very good idea? :good:

It is also very very possible that, theo wants his striker role clearly inked in the contract. I would demand it.

But it is just about money, you know.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has been urged to sign a new contract – and this time it’s not boss Arsene Wenger offering a pay rise or promising to play him as a striker, but fans who have released a song begging him to 'Sign Da Ting’.

The Roxy Arms are a group of Arsenal supporters who have decided to go the extra mile to see if they can be the ones to persuade the unhappy 23-year-old to extend his contract at the Emirates.

Walcott's deal expires in the summer, but the group are hopeful their full-length grime track will persuade the wannabe striker to re-sign with the club.

Some choice lyrics compare Walcott to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as well as urging Walcott not to follow in the footsteps of his good friend and former Arsenal team-mate Robin van Persie, who left for Manchester United in the summer.

Metro Sport remain unconvinced it will catch on as the latest terrace chant, but there could be an outing over the Emirates PA system as Walcott carries out his half-time warm-up, which may do the trick.

Here are the lyrics to 'Sign Da Ting' - they have to be read to be believed...

INTRO

Come on mate, Time is ticking. Last year of the contract, Still not signed it. What’s going on, man? Spill the beans.

CHORUS

Walcott, Walcott, Walcott, Walcott,
Sign da ting, sign da ting.
(Repeat four times)

VERSE 1

Oi Theo, stick to the wing.
Playing up front just ain’t your thing.
Apart from your pace what else are you offering?
Now we got Oxlade-Chamberlain.
In your spot, technique he brings, that’s why the fans his name we sing.
Should be you but it’s not its him. We ain’t playing you until you sign da ting.

PRE-CHORUS

Sign da ting na, sign da ting. Theo Walcott, sign da ting.
If you don’t, well, then you’re stuck on the bench, listening to Frimpong chat about Dench.
We got Podolski, we got Giroud, even Gervinho’s been up front too.
That ain’t to say that they’re better than you, but you got a year left, so what you gonna do then?

CHORUS

VERSE 2

You’ll never get more love than from the Gunners.
Think about that before you do a runner.
If you stay I’ll be happy, in fact delighted.
If you go I hope you don’t go to Man United
Are you gonna be just like the rest, just take the money, forget the crest.
The big fat cannon upon your chest. Because that’s what makes you play your best.

PRE-CHORUS

CHORUS

VERSE THREE

So Theo, what’s it gonna be?
When you look into the mirror. What do you see?
Do you wanna be a part of history, or are you gonna be like Van Persie?
The little boy inside him saying join me! It’s been a long time since you won a trophy.
And that was for being a young personality. Given to you by the BBC.

PRE-CHORUS

CHORUS

OUTRO

Sign da ting, sign da ting.
Walcott, Walcott, Walcott, Walcott,
Walcott, Walcott, Walcott, Walcott,
Sign da ting, sign da ting


Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/913908-theo-walcott-urged-to-sign-da-ting-by-arsenal-fans-grime-song#ixzz28BciMXuj

:lol:

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Sign da ting na, sign da ting. Theo Walcott, sign da ting.
If you don’t, well, then you’re stuck on the bench, listening to Frimpong chat about Dench.
We got Podolski, we got Giroud, even Gervinho’s been up front too.
That ain’t to say that they’re better than you, but you got a year left, so what you gonna do then?


:lol:

[Penguin]

Forget the negotiations. Block his agent's number, leave him in the reserves and offload him in january.

He's not worth the time.

[Xhaka Can’t]

A bit harsh, but I understand the frustration.

My view is that I would like to see a resolution, but if it is not achieved by Jan 1, then he needs to be shown the door at that point and without delay.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Agree with GB, By Jan the 1st he could sign a pre contract with any club he wanted. So we'd have to act fast with him tbh.

[Joker]

None of us here deal with player contracts but I'd imagine it's a little more complicated than just agreeing a wage and then getting on with it. If you're buying a house, it doesn't just stop at agreeing a price and then moving in. Employment contracts, if they've got some bullshit dismissal and discipline procedure, you're going to question it. If you were told they had a pension scheme or some sort of private healthcare scheme, which were part of the perks discussed in your interview, but there is no mention of it in your contract, you're not going to sign.

I work with contracts, legal teams and sales team. Once a deal is agreed between the sales and acquisitions people, it's over to the lawyers to thrash out the terms, which can sometimes take ages to agree on. With football and these multi million pound contracts, I can't imagine the process being much easier, especially when we factor in performance based perks, image rights and that sort of stuff. We don't know whose holding up what in such cases and it could be a situation where both parties agreed to something with his last contract but now the terms have changed and people want answers. Who knows…heck his last deal took 6 months to sort. If the hold up is money, whose to say the club don't want a bigger slice of his image rights and sponsorship money? There are a load of possibilities when it comes to these sort of things that we won't be aware of.

:gp: There's always a tendency to focus on player greed whenever a contract takes time to sign, yet very little consideration is given to the possibility that it is the club that is being greedy, trying to undercut wages as far as possible or reneging on a verbal agreement. It wouldn't be the first time this has happened, Song was promised that a new contract would be discussed but it was put further and further back. I tend to have less faith in the goodwill of employers compared to workers. You see it in all industries where the bosses use propaganda to demonise workers and sway popular opinion against them. Something similar is happening at Arsenal IMO, especially with the leaks by club insiders to Kroenke sympathetisers like Arseblog.

[V-Pig]

:gp: There's always a tendency to focus on player greed whenever a contract takes time to sign, yet very little consideration is given to the possibility that it is the club that is being greedy, trying to undercut wages as far as possible or reneging on a verbal agreement. It wouldn't be the first time this has happened, Song was promised that a new contract would be discussed but it was put further and further back. I tend to have less faith in the goodwill of employers compared to workers. You see it in all industries where the bosses use propaganda to demonise workers and sway popular opinion against them. Something similar is happening at Arsenal IMO, especially with the leaks by club insiders to Kroenke sympathetisers like Arseblog.

They're not starving Northern miners! They're exceedingly wealthy millionaires who have PR armies at their disposal and can and do manipulate fans as much as they want as well as the clubs do. And you're allegedly a supporter of the employers in this case.

[Xhaka Can’t]

I doubt he is a supporter of the board.

I sure as he'll don't support them.

[fakeyank]

Need to sign him up asap!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

He did what he had to, score the decisive goal with limited time. Fair play tbf.

[Niall_Quinn]

Up to the **** to sign the contract. If he doesn't want to then fuck off.

[fari]

well taken goal today

[Joker]

He's a great finisher and would be a shame to lose him.

[Xhaka Can’t]

That was a well executed composed finish under pressure because we were 1 all at the time with the game in the balance.

[Niall_Quinn]

That was a well executed composed finish under pressure because we were 1 all at the time with the game in the balance.

He was passing to nobody, so obviously he executed well.

[Cripps_orig]

He is restoring my faith in football

[Olivier's xmas twist]

He scored a good goal and it should be given more chances to play upfront. However lets not get too carried away, as Maccy said he did what he had to do.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

He's a great finisher and would be a shame to lose him.

That he is, Problem is we'd have to change the way we played to get the best out of him up top.

[boss_king]

sign the ting

[Power n Glory]

I think the kid is doing a enough to show he has the skill to play up front and enough to silence his critics. Turned the game around yestersday. Excellent finish.

[Xhaka Can’t]

He has the ability, but to silence the critics, he'll have to show more consistency in the quality of his performances.

[gooners]

He has the ability, but to silence the critics, he'll have to show more consistency in the quality of his performances.

on the wing? --- where you say he is shit and he says he is uncomfortable? :blink:

[Xhaka Can’t]

on the wing? --- where you say he is shit and he says he is uncomfortable? :blink:

Those performances where he contributes nothing are what I would term shit performances - he has also put in good performances.

The comment is to do with consistency.

[AKBapologist]

Playing amazing comes when your between 26-30. Those expecting him to be running the show by now in a way only 1 or 2 players per club, per generation ever do are deluded.

[Xhaka Can’t]

Playing amazing comes when your between 26-30. Those expecting him to be running the show by now in a way only 1 or 2 players per club, per generation ever do are deluded.

That is true, but who is expecting him to be running the show?

[Syn]

I don't know what we're talking wrt 'running the show', but if he starts regularly for us - in whatever position - I expect a 1 in 3 record. If he starts as a striker, I expect better than 1 in 2 (which means about 20-30 goals in all comps...he's on 4 already).

[Kano]

scoring consistently isn't a problem for him - almost 30 in 2 and a bit seasons from out wide - so as long as he keeps that up, he'll have a right to keep asking for a centre birth.

[AKBapologist]

That is true, but who is expecting him to be running the show?
Everyone who's saying he should be more consistent.
The players who are 23, playing week in and week out, without off days are the *Wayne Rooneys* and (hopefully) Whilshires of the world, Theo isn't that, like many of the ready made players who join the club at 25-26 and *show consistancy* they've slogged and flopped for years with good and bad days before having that year where it all clicks before they get snapped up.

And anyway, how much more consistent do you expect him to be considering the goals and assists he scored last season or has scored this season already? There is always more room for improvement but the standard Walcott is judged on is so divorced of context. (eg To think, people used to rate Aaron Lennon over him...)

[AKBapologist]

I don't know what we're talking wrt 'running the show', but if he starts regularly for us - in whatever position - I expect a 1 in 3 record. If he starts as a striker, I expect better than 1 in 2 (which means about 20-30 goals in all comps...he's on 4 already).

This is a good example of the imaginary standard/lack of context/general delusion. 3 in 1 from out wide? Nani hasn't scored more than 10 a season. Speak to any united fan and they will complain about Ashley Youngs lack of consistency.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Playing amazing comes when your between 26-30. Those expecting him to be running the show by now in a way only 1 or 2 players per club, per generation ever do are deluded.

Fabregas was pretty much running the show when he was with us and he was well younger then 26. No one is expecting Theo to run the show, but we want him to be consistant.

Yeah he scored a good goal yesterday, but he also seemed to run into people as well. He has loads to work on, not just lets playing upfront and he'll deliver.

[AKBapologist]

Fabregas was pretty much running the show when he was with us and he was well younger then 26. No one is expecting Theo to run the show, but we want him to be consistant.

Yeah he scored a good goal yesterday, but he also seemed to run into people as well. He has loads to work on, not just lets playing upfront and he'll deliver.

See the bit I said about how fans expect Theo to be another one of those 1-2 per generation, per club players who can show consistency at a young age... He's not, get over it.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

See the bit I said about how fans expect Theo to be another one of those 1-2 per generation, per club players who can show consistency at a young age... He's not, get over it.

Did i say he was.

[Syn]

This is a good example of the imaginary standard/lack of context/general delusion. 3 in 1 from out wide? Nani hasn't scored more than 10 a season. Speak to any united fan and they will complain about Ashley Youngs lack of consistency.

I am superb at placing things in context, don't worry about that. I take into account our system and Walcotts general play. I would expect far less goals from someone like Podolski or if Cazorla was out wide because they're better as creators and can help more with our general build-ups. As can Ashley Young. Lets not pretend Walcott doesn't get many chances playing from where he has been - he gets a couple (at least) every game. Our attackers have the freedom to drift about all over the place (see his goals against Coventry). We don't require our 'wide' players to be rigid in their positioning unlike other teams. This is why I don't understand half this championship manager talk. When theo stops getting a lot of chances and stops getting goals, then I'll listen. Until then, he's pretty much playing to get goals no matter what imaginary position you want to pigeonhole him into.

[AKBapologist]

Did i say he was.

When you expect to consistently see *Good Theo* (ie, scoring goals and turning teams upside down) then that would be effectively asking for a player that wins games on his own, running the show, or as close to running the show as someone from that position/play style can be.


I am superb at placing things in context, don't worry about that. I take into account our system and Walcotts general play. I would expect far less goals from someone like Podolski or if Cazorla was out wide because they're better as creators and can help more with our general build-ups. As can Ashley Young. Lets not pretend Walcott doesn't get many chances playing from where he has been - he gets a couple (at least) every game. Our attackers have the freedom to drift about all over the place (see his goals against Coventry). We don't require our 'wide' players to be rigid in their positioning unlike other teams. This is why I don't understand half this championship manager talk. When theo stops getting a lot of chances and stops getting goals, then I'll listen. Until then, he's pretty much playing to get goals no matter what imaginary position you want to pigeonhole him into.

Were as Nani's just a mug who sticks to the wings in United's rigid attack system....
Oh ok, give me a better example, of a player in Theo's position doing what Theo should be doing week in or week out? Hazard?

[Olivier's xmas twist]

This is why I don't understand half this championship manager talk. When theo stops getting a lot of chances and stops getting goals, then I'll listen. Until then, he's pretty much playing to get goals no matter what imaginary position you want to pigeonhole him into.

This, as long as he keeps scoring goals don't care where he plays heck out him in goal for all i care.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

When you expect to consistently see *Good Theo* (ie, scoring goals and turning teams upside down) then that would be effectively asking for a player that wins games on his own, running the show, or as close to running the show as someone from that position/play style can be.


Hence why i said he has a lot to work at, not just putting him up top and expecting him to deilver because thats his role.

[gooners]

scoring consistently isn't a problem for him - almost 30 in 2 and a bit seasons from out wide - so as long as he keeps that up, he'll have a right to keep asking for a centre birth.

nah, needs to be more consistent than that. Arsenal atackers are more previleged than strikers at other teams :rolleyes: -- ask Ade,Henry,RVP :good:

[gooners]

This, as long as he keeps scoring goals don't care where he plays heck out him in goal for all i care.

obviously HE gives a shit! -- and that is what matters and that is the point :good:

[Xhaka Can’t]

Everyone who's saying he should be more consistent.
The players who are 23, playing week in and week out, without off days are the *Wayne Rooneys* and (hopefully) Whilshires of the world, Theo isn't that, like many of the ready made players who join the club at 25-26 and *show consistancy* they've slogged and flopped for years with good and bad days before having that year where it all clicks before they get snapped up.

And anyway, how much more consistent do you expect him to be considering the goals and assists he scored last season or has scored this season already? There is always more room for improvement but the standard Walcott is judged on is so divorced of context. (eg To think, people used to rate Aaron Lennon over him...)

No one has said he should be running the show - whatever that means. I think however he should be more consistent in his performances. That does not mean he needs to score a goal - he should be judged by a range of things, the most important I value amongst them is application, and that has been lacking at times - more times than I would like to see while accepting everyone can have an off day.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

obviously HE gives a shit! -- and that is what matters and that is the point :good:

I Must have missed the part where i said he never gave a shit.

[Özim]

He's done quite well this season, but as I've said before I think he's a great sub to have but as a starter he more often than not has no impact.

His pace is very effective against tired players but generally when he starts a match defenders can deal with him.

[Power n Glory]

This is a good example of the imaginary standard/lack of context/general delusion. 3 in 1 from out wide? Nani hasn't scored more than 10 a season. Speak to any united fan and they will complain about Ashley Youngs lack of consistency.

I think Syn is saying Theo already gets a ratio of 1 in 3 from out wide and those numbers would improve if played as a striker. He's a consistent goal threat. Gets good numbers for a wide player.

But a lot of posters on here are over critical and talk about consistency but there isn't a single wide player that has done better down the right for us since the Invincible era. We just saw an abysmal performance from Gervinho, Ox was really off in his last game and when you check through the history of our wide players, there hasn't been many that have delivered on the level some people are expecting.

[Kano]

an interesting comparison would be walcott's successful crosses (ie those into the right areas where an attacker should be) against the other wide players over the past few seasons.

not sure that sort of stat even exists though.

[Kano]

well maybe it does - sort of

http://www.eplindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Lennon-41.png

this is from some england selection debate and i think its fair to say he doesn't stand up too well in most of these departments and probably wouldn't against the nani's of this world.

wenger has to make a decision if he wants a wide player that can score more than he creates, thus losing dynamics on one side or if he wants someone that can consistently deliver a ball from both sides.

[-Xs-]

It's all a moo point anyway, he's gone. I, for one, will be sad to see him go, as, inconsistent he may be, he is still one of our top performers, but whatever.

[selassie]

It's all a moo point anyway, he's gone. I, for one, will be sad to see him go, as, inconsistent he may be, he is still one of our top performers, but whatever.

Yeah I'm with you on this. I personally think he's gone too...strange because he celebrated like he really cared on Saturday but that may have been more about him being frustrated because he is not getting minutes at the moment.

[Marc Overmars]

I think he'll probably go but I still hope he wants to stay. He has his faults but he's a solid finisher and as good an option as anyone we have from the bench, if not better.

[Power n Glory]

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that Theo Walcott does want to remain with the club.

Walcott has started just one league game this season, making a further five appearances from the bench.

He was a substitute against West Ham United on Saturday and helped turn the game in Arsenal's favour as he struck the second in their 3-1 win.

Walcott's future remains a huge talking point, given his current deal expires at the end of the season, but Wenger still believes the England man will sign a new contract with the club.

Asked if he thought Walcott would re-sign, he said: "I think so. But I cannot tell you what he tells me.

"We are always in touch. He has character. He keeps focused and he wants to show he is 100 per cent professional and I have a big respect for that attitude."

Walcott has called for Wenger to give him a chance through the middle and the Frenchman admits he could yet be given that opportunity.

"Theo's game is based on movement off the ball, timing and finishing. He can play wide, he can play centre," he said.

"Basically it is not so important. He has improved a lot in his finishing. Even if he plays wide or centre he gets in positions where he can score."


I don't think Theo and Wenger are seeing eye to eye on his playing position and that's the sticking point. Wenger seems reluctant to play him in the centre and it doesn't make sense that he'll experiment with Yao Kouassi playing there. He has a player in Giroud whose all about movement, timing and finishing, why not give Walcott a chance if that's the main issue? He can score from wide as well and he can get into position, but he's never going to get into as many goal scoring positions when out wide. Take Poldoski as an example. Was he even able to get a shot on goal on Saturday? He's got good movement and is pretty clinical as well, but playing out wide restricts him a little. Giroud on the other hand gets a load of opportunities playing in the centre and everyone can see he has good movement but there are question marks around his finishing.

[Kano]

see ya feo

[Olivier's xmas twist]

I don't think Theo and Wenger are seeing eye to eye on his playing position and that's the sticking point. Wenger seems reluctant to play him in the centre and it doesn't make sense that he'll experiment with Yao Kouassi playing there. He has a player in Giroud whose all about movement, timing and finishing, why not give Walcott a chance if that's the main issue? He can score from wide as well and he can get into position, but he's never going to get into as many goal scoring positions when out wide. Take Poldoski as an example. Was he even able to get a shot on goal on Saturday? He's got good movement and is pretty clinical as well, but playing out wide restricts him a little. Giroud on the other hand gets a load of opportunities playing in the centre and everyone can see he has good movement but there are question marks around his finishing.

Theo :wave:

Theo is more your old fashioned English CF, like a wrighty. However we don't play that way to accomdate one of those, so its makes sense to why he is not played up there.

[fakeyank]

The same type of shit has started popping up about AW being confident he will sign.. similar to RVP, Flamini, Nasri etc.

We should just stop playing him and stop our dependency on him. Time to move on.. :rose:

[Power n Glory]

Theo :wave:

Theo is more your old fashioned English CF, like a wrighty. However we don't play that way to accomdate one of those, so its makes sense to why he is not played up there.

You say that but so is Giroud but without the pace. We don't play the ball up long to him, we rarely see him playing the battering ram type role, using brute strength to get the better of his markers, it's all based on his movement. He's like a ghost and just pops up in the right position at the right time. Then we have Yao Kouassi, who is a totally different player to Giroud with a different style but we still keep the same system.

[Master Splinter]

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger steps up interest in Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/9595175/Arsenal-manager-Arsene-Wenger-steps-up-interest-in-Crystal-Palace-winger-Wilfried-Zaha.html

Theo :wave:.

Wilfried :bow:.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Arsène Wenger has asked Pat Rice, his former assistant manager and trusted aide, to personally scout Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha.

So is Rice a scout now?

[Syn]

It'd be easier to list things that Pat Rice isn't.

[fakeyank]

PHW just came out his BS that we wont break our wage structure for anyone... so now it is 110% certain he is not signing.

Bye Theo! :wave:

PHW, I hope you :rose:

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Arsenal have warned Theo Walcott they will not break their wage structure to keep him at the club.

Walcott's future at Arsenal has been the subject of speculation for some time with the player out of contract at the end of the season.

Talks are ongoing between both parties, but as yet no new deal has been agreed with Walcott rejecting the club's initial offer of a contract extension.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger remains confident of agreeing a new deal with Walcott, but Gunners chairman Peter Hill-Wood insists they will not break the bank to secure the England international's future.

"We have got our general overall wage structure and we are not prepared to break it for anybody," Hill-Wood told the Daily Star. "We have made an offer which he didn't think was acceptable and that is the end of it. We think it is a very reasonable offer.

"For the moment his people are still talking to us and we hope it will be resolved. But don't ask me when, because I haven't a clue.

"I hope that he will eventually come round and sign. It will be a pity if he does not, but the whole issue of pay for footballers has got totally out of hand and they don't get terribly well advised a lot of the time."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11670/8151480/Arsenal-warn-Theo-Walcott-over-his-contract-demands

Theo :wave:


johno says October 9, 2012 12:13pm

Walcott is up there with the greats like Henry, Bergkamp, Wiltord. Should easily be the highest paid player at the club.

:doh:

[Xhaka Can’t]

I'm not Theo's number 1 superfan, but PHW is out of order here. I do not believe this is an outburst because he has done this before, most notably when talking about RVC who was under a gagging order at the time.

This 'outburst' is designed to pave the way for Walcotts exit.

This indicates to me that Wenger isn't the problem at this Club and him moving on will solve nothing. The problem lies with the outdated influence and amateurish direction provided by the likes of PHW.

Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2

[GP]

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11670/8151480/Arsenal-warn-Theo-Walcott-over-his-contract-demands

Theo :wave:



So there you go, it's all down to money.

[Kano]

This 'outburst' is designed to pave the way for Walcotts exit.

exactly. just as before, manoeuvre whilst contract talks are 'ongoing', piss off the player and his agents and contact with other parties is also spiked.

everyone bar jenks is absolute **** in our team, and the ****ishness just gets bigger in the boardroom.

why all this pretense? just flog the whole fucking thing off and be done with it - either way, none of us can do a thing and they still get what they want.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

I'm not Theo's number 1 superfan, but PHW is out of order here. I do not believe this is an outburst because he has done this before, most notably when talking about RVC who was under a gagging order at the time.

This 'outburst' is designed to pave the way for Walcotts exit.

This indicates to me that Wenger isn't the problem at this Club and him moving on will solve nothing. The problem lies with the outdated influence and amateurish direction provided by the likes of PHW.

Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2

PHW, may have a point in what he says, no way he should be going to the media about it. Id not expect the players or manager etc so neither should he.

what happens in house, stays in house.

This indicates to me that Wenger isn't the problem at this Club and him moving on will solve nothing. The problem lies with the outdated influence and amateurish direction provided by the likes of PHW.


Pretty much, no matter who is in charge while the tptb are still there, they will sell players how they want too.

Wenger clearly wants to keep the lad, the board etc are not fussed, if he does not take the deal they are given him.

Like you say its all for Theo's exit, wait till mid march, he'll be slating Sagna next.

[fakeyank]

I'm not Theo's number 1 superfan, but PHW is out of order here. I do not believe this is an outburst because he has done this before, most notably when talking about RVC who was under a gagging order at the time.

This 'outburst' is designed to pave the way for Walcotts exit.

This indicates to me that Wenger isn't the problem at this Club and him moving on will solve nothing. The problem lies with the outdated influence and amateurish direction provided by the likes of PHW.

Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2

I am no big of AW but I know that the likes of PHW need to go first! I just wish that AW just resigns to show up these c*nts to the world. We need more clarity as to what the hell is going on within our club.

[Kano]

We need more clarity as to what the hell is going on within our club.
jumble sale.

[Power n Glory]

I'm not Theo's number 1 superfan, but PHW is out of order here. I do not believe this is an outburst because he has done this before, most notably when talking about RVC who was under a gagging order at the time.

This 'outburst' is designed to pave the way for Walcotts exit.

This indicates to me that Wenger isn't the problem at this Club and him moving on will solve nothing. The problem lies with the outdated influence and amateurish direction provided by the likes of PHW.

Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2

Thank you. He did the exact same thing with RVP and made an already difficult situation even worse. And why is he contradicting Wenger? Wenger says it's not about money, the player says the same and they're trying to build bridges with the fans and then PHW pulls this stunt.

If Wenger and Gazidis are involved with the contract talks, why is that PHW keeps talking out of place? But you're right about the club. Even if Wenger goes, we have a problem with the idiots we have running the club. I just Wenger would put some of these fools in their place.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Thank you. He did the exact same thing with RVP and made an already difficult situation even worse. And why is he contradicting Wenger? Wenger says it's not about money, the player says the same and they're trying to build bridges with the fans and then PHW pulls this stunt.

If Wenger and Gazidis are involved with the contract talks, why is that PHW keeps talking out of place? But you're right about the club. Even if Wenger goes, we have a problem with the idiots we have running the club. I just Wenger would put some of these fools in their place.

:gp:

Could not have said it better myself.

[Syn]

And why is he contradicting Wenger? Wenger says it's not about money

Have you got a link for that?

[Power n Glory]

Have you got a link for that?

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCMQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffoot ball%2Ftheo-walcotts-not-greedy-and-he-is-staying-says-wenger-8096324.html&ei=pD90UM-8Nqis0QXM54DoDw&usg=AFQjCNHSGIps-8y1c5JxbX2AeETjnTnQ7A



Arsene Wenger today insisted Theo Walcott is “not obsessed by money” despite the winger’s failure to agree a new contract and confirmed he will be staying at Arsenal.

The Gunners had privately indicated they would sell the 23‑year-old if he did not sign a new five-year contract worth £75,000‑a-week before tomorrow’s transfer deadline but their stance has changed after Wenger held talks with the player’s representatives yesterday.

Wenger remains confident Walcott will commit his future to the club but the negotiations are complex with the player seeking assurances about his role in the team — as revealed by Standard Sport yesterday — and harbouring concerns about their ambition in the transfer market.

Insisting Walcott will not leave in this transfer window, Wenger said: “His situation is simple. He will stay with us and play for us. Theo has one year to go and that is simple. Afterwards we have to find an agreement with him on whether to extend the contract or not for a longer period. That is what we want to do. I think Theo loves the club.

“Contrary to what some media write he is not obsessed by money, there is just a little difference we hope we can, at some stage, find an agreement with. That is it basically.”

Wenger remains hopeful of bringing in a defender and a midfielder before the closure of the window with Montpellier’s Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Swansea’s Angel Rangel possible options at the back and Etienne Capoue of Toulouse a rumoured replacement for Alex Song.

Yet the Gunners manager insists he is not under pressure to bolster his squad despite the loss of Song and Robin van Persie in recent weeks.

“We are active but we do not just want to bring average players in,” said Wenger. “If we find a special player who can find us a plus we will do it, if not we will not do it.

“I am relaxed. We have of course enough, that is for sure, but you want always to improve your squad and if we find a top, top, top player we will do it. What is important as well is to believe in the players you have and we will get our long-term injuries back.”

Standard Sport understands Nicklas Bendtner, Marouane Chamakh and Ju-Young Park did not train at the club’s London Colney base today, increasing the likelihood the trio will depart before tomorrow’s 11pm deadline.

Denmark striker Bendtner (above) is in talks with a number of clubs with Italy his preferred destination. Juventus and AC Milan are yet to formalise their interest with Arsenal asking for around £5million.

Wenger said: “There is a chance that Nicklas is leaving. We are open to anything.”

[tpyo]

The problem lies with the outdated influence and amateurish direction provided by the likes of PHW.


We do appreciate how long him and his ancestor have been in charge of the club? Let's take a look at Wikipedia:



He is the third generation of his family to serve as Chairman of Arsenal, following his father, Denis Hill-Wood (in office 1962–1982), and his grandfather, Samuel Hill-Wood (1929–1936 and 1946–1949). Peter Hill-Wood succeeded his father after the latter's death in 1982. He is not in charge of any day-to-day business at the club, which is generally run by CEO Ivan Gazidis, with manager Arsène Wenger responsible for football and first team affairs.



I find "amateur" a bit of a strange word to choose given his experience. Childish perhaps but that guy has a ton of experience and service to this club. I'm not saying he's "right" I just think it strange that people have chosen to isolate this individual for our present state given he's been chariman since '82.

[Syn]

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCMQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffoot ball%2Ftheo-walcotts-not-greedy-and-he-is-staying-says-wenger-8096324.html&ei=pD90UM-8Nqis0QXM54DoDw&usg=AFQjCNHSGIps-8y1c5JxbX2AeETjnTnQ7A



Arsene Wenger today insisted Theo Walcott is “not obsessed by money” despite the winger’s failure to agree a new contract and confirmed he will be staying at Arsenal.

The Gunners had privately indicated they would sell the 23‑year-old if he did not sign a new five-year contract worth £75,000‑a-week before tomorrow’s transfer deadline but their stance has changed after Wenger held talks with the player’s representatives yesterday.

Wenger remains confident Walcott will commit his future to the club but the negotiations are complex with the player seeking assurances about his role in the team — as revealed by Standard Sport yesterday — and harbouring concerns about their ambition in the transfer market.

Insisting Walcott will not leave in this transfer window, Wenger said: “His situation is simple. He will stay with us and play for us. Theo has one year to go and that is simple. Afterwards we have to find an agreement with him on whether to extend the contract or not for a longer period. That is what we want to do. I think Theo loves the club.

“Contrary to what some media write he is not obsessed by money, there is just a little difference we hope we can, at some stage, find an agreement with. That is it basically.”

Wenger remains hopeful of bringing in a defender and a midfielder before the closure of the window with Montpellier’s Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Swansea’s Angel Rangel possible options at the back and Etienne Capoue of Toulouse a rumoured replacement for Alex Song.

Yet the Gunners manager insists he is not under pressure to bolster his squad despite the loss of Song and Robin van Persie in recent weeks.

“We are active but we do not just want to bring average players in,” said Wenger. “If we find a special player who can find us a plus we will do it, if not we will not do it.

“I am relaxed. We have of course enough, that is for sure, but you want always to improve your squad and if we find a top, top, top player we will do it. What is important as well is to believe in the players you have and we will get our long-term injuries back.”

Standard Sport understands Nicklas Bendtner, Marouane Chamakh and Ju-Young Park did not train at the club’s London Colney base today, increasing the likelihood the trio will depart before tomorrow’s 11pm deadline.

Denmark striker Bendtner (above) is in talks with a number of clubs with Italy his preferred destination. Juventus and AC Milan are yet to formalise their interest with Arsenal asking for around £5million.

Wenger said: “There is a chance that Nicklas is leaving. We are open to anything.”

Well he says it is about money. But just that the difference in what he's asking and what we're offering is not too big.

[Power n Glory]

We do appreciate how long him and his ancestor have been in charge of the club? Let's take a look at Wikipedia:




I find "amateur" a bit of a strange word to choose given his experience. Childish perhaps but that guy has a ton of experience and service to this club. I'm not saying he's "right" I just think it strange that people have chosen to isolate this individual for our present state given he's been chariman since '82.


He is not in charge of any day-to-day business at the club, which is generally run by CEO Ivan Gazidis, with manager Arsène Wenger responsible for football and first team affairs.

That's telling.

[Power n Glory]

Well he says it is about money. But just that the difference in what he's asking and what we're offering is not too big.


Where does Wenger say that?

[Syn]

Where does Wenger say that?

“Contrary to what some media write he is not obsessed by money, there is just a little difference we hope we can, at some stage, find an agreement with. That is it basically.”

[tpyo]

That's telling.


Well mebbe he used to before Ivan Gazidis? idk.
But then I probably disagree with you chaps having not much an issue with how the club is run... that is unless they've started paying out a divvi on the shares... anyone know if they do or not? They never used to but I heard rumours they started a year or two back.

[Kano]

Well mebbe he used to before Ivan Gazidis? idk.
But then I probably disagree with you chaps having not much an issue with how the club is run... that is unless they've started paying out a divvi on the shares... anyone know if they do or not? They never used to but I heard rumours they started a year or two back.
no need to worry about dividends if the share price goes up and they sell up.

just wait for the next batch of commercial deals to be sorted - price goes up, shares go on sale

[Power n Glory]

“Contrary to what some media write he is not obsessed by money, there is just a little difference we hope we can, at some stage, find an agreement with. That is it basically.”

That doesn't confirm it's about money, though.

[tpyo]

no need to worry about dividends if the share price goes up and they sell up.


Yes but tbh you're a bit of a prat if that's your complaint. A share shows how much the club is worth but a divvi takes money _out_ of the club. There is a massive difference between owners making money on the value of their shares and of taking money out of the club. As long as the money stays in the club our future will always be bright throughout this sugar daddy era. However if the money is taken out we're in trouble in the future which makes the way the club is being run now not okay.

[Power n Glory]

Well mebbe he used to before Ivan Gazidis? idk.
But then I probably disagree with you chaps having not much an issue with how the club is run... that is unless they've started paying out a divvi on the shares... anyone know if they do or not? They never used to but I heard rumours they started a year or two back.

Used to before Gazidis but he's not involved with the contract talks so he shouldn't be speaking out of term.

[Syn]

That doesn't confirm it's about money, though.

That's clutching at straws. Of course he's talking about 'money' - he's not going to break away mid-sentence about another issue without clarifying it.

[Kano]

Yes but tbh you're a bit of a prat if that's your complaint. A share shows how much the club is worth but a divvi takes money _out_ of the club. There is a massive difference between owners making money on the value of their shares and of taking money out of the club. As long as the money stays in the club our future will always be bright throughout this sugar daddy era. However if the money is taken out we're in trouble in the future which makes the way the club is being run now not okay.

depends who we sell up to. not sure what sort of a future you think there will be being passed onto the biggest bidder every other season. still, if you're happy with that, that says it all.

[tpyo]

Used to before Gazidis but he's not involved with the contract talks so he shouldn't be speaking out of term.


That's a fair point!



depends who we sell up to. not sure what sort of a future you think there will be being passed onto the biggest bidder every other season. still, if you're happy with that, that says it all.


Well from where I'm standing I think they chose a pretty good horse in terms of Kroenke. Well known for sports teams, doesn't gut companies like Glazer had a history of, is backed by walmart money. As long as due diligence is done then selling shares is good. Usamov hasn't got control so I'm happy.
Point still stands that as long as no divvi gets dished out all the money remains in the club, that's a good thing.

[Kano]

get the commercial deals in, push up the value, sell to the russian.

job done.

we're a cash cow obviously. kroenke is here to make money. and make money he will.

[Power n Glory]

That's clutching at straws. Of course he's talking about 'money' - he's not going to break away mid-sentence about another issue without clarifying it.

I read that in a different way. 'A difference' does not mean he's specifically talking about a fee, it's a difference in opinion. Just as if I were to say "no the fight with me and my bro wasn't about money, just a difference we couldn't agree upon".

Also,


“I’m not a footballer who goes after the money,” he said.
“It is all about the football. I signed as a striker and it is about time – I want to play up front. I am definitely a striker and feel I have matured in that position now.

“I have always said I want to win trophies at Arsenal. Thierry joined when he was 22 and started off slowly. I am only 23 and I want to be a legend like Thierry. Hopefully it can be with Arsenal.”

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/348112/Theo-Walcott-eyes-striker-role



Add Theo's comments to that, things start to look a little different. I wouldn't say I'm clutching at straws here.

[selassie]

Looks to me like PHW has sealed Theo's exit. Why does PHW always do this? Wade in when he's not wanted. He's a f*cking hypocrite...one minute he says Arsene is solely in charge of Football affairs and the next minute PHW wades in making comments about first team players like it's his business.

His timing is always rotten too.

[Syn]

Just as if I were to say "no the fight with me and my bro wasn't about money, just a difference we couldn't agree upon".

In that case you're absolutely right. But Wenger doesn't say it's not about money which is what you have said. That's the false jump you keep making. He's saying that Theo's demands aren't outrageous (he is not obsessed by money)...then the next bit goes on to explain there is just a small difference that can be worked out. In that very same sentence. In the way human interaction works, it would require some sort of qualification to start talking about something else...even if Wenger can't talk about it (e.g. position). Something like "he isn't obsessed by money, in any case there are some other small issues to work out...". I don't understand what other way there is to interpret that sentence. But I guess this is getting far too tedious :lol:

I can't really read what Walcott says without trying to understand what he has to gain from it. I get the feeling Theo does want to be a striker but it would be a 'nice to have' rather than a critical factor - especially given the way we are set-up and the number of chances he continues to get. Our attacking players have the freedom the drift about wherever they want and the type of goals he scores shows this. But unfortunately, people can't look at "I want more money" with objective eyes. Wanting more money doesn't make him a bad person. For all we know the club have offered a poor contract for Theo's experience and quality. That wouldn't be too surprising.

[Power n Glory]

In that case you're absolutely right. But Wenger doesn't say it's not about money which is what you have said. That's the false jump you keep making. He's saying that Theo's demands aren't outrageous (he is not obsessed by money)...then the next bit goes on to explain there is just a small difference that can be worked out. In that very same sentence. In the way human interaction works, it would require some sort of qualification to start talking about something else...even if Wenger can't talk about it (e.g. position). Something like "he isn't obsessed by money, in any case there are some other small issues to work out...". I don't understand what other way there is to interpret that sentence. But I guess this is getting far too tedious :lol:

Well, we could go round in circles on this one, but he's

I can't really read what Walcott says without trying to understand what he has to gain from it. I get the feeling Theo does want to be a striker but it would be a 'nice to have' rather than a critical factor - especially given the way we are set-up and the number of chances he continues to get. Our attacking players have the freedom the drift about wherever they want and the type of goals he scores shows this. But unfortunately, people can't look at "I want more money" with objective eyes. Wanting more money doesn't make him a bad person. For all we know the club have offered a poor contract for Theo's experience and quality. That wouldn't be too surprising.

Well, we could go around in circles on this one, but if Wenger is taking issue with what the press is saying about him and that it's a small difference that can be sorted, then the sticking point shouldn't be money and that contradicts PHW comments talking as if a wage structure has to be broken to keep him. Plus, compare Wenger's quotes with Theo's and it doesn't seem to be about money. Theo himself sounded like he was on edge as if the club were preparing to sell him. We have no idea what is happening but the reports of him being offered £75k and him holding out for £100k…where is the source for all of that? That's what's being said in the press and both player and boss are refuting that. Why didn't we sell him like Song and RVP if we're talking about a major stumbling block? But heck, it all could be a PR exercise.

As for players being able to drift and get goals from anywhere….I disagree. Look at Poldoski. He works so hard on the flanks, he hardly gets into shooting positions. Compare that to Giroud and there is a big difference. Our players can't just neglect their defensive duties and drift anywhere. Theo is getting goals on the flank, but he's obviously not comfortable there otherwise he wouldn't be so vocal about playing up front. On a good day he'll get one clear cut chance on goal in a game and that's if it's open. A central striker will get way more than that. You can afford to miss a sitter and still have a enough time to get another chance carved out for you. A winger don't have that privilege. He doesn't get rated as one of the best in his position so I understand why he wants to play up front.

[Özim]

I find "amateur" a bit of a strange word to choose given his experience. Childish perhaps but that guy has a ton of experience and service to this club. I'm not saying he's "right" I just think it strange that people have chosen to isolate this individual for our present state given he's been chariman since '82.


At the time of Dein's purchase of the shares in Arsenal back in 1983, Peter Hill Wood Arsenal's Chairman described Dein as "crazy" to invest his money in the club stating that "to all intents and purposes it's dead money"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Dein

Yeah didn't take him a long time to make his voice heard either, the guy reckoned investment in us was "dead money".

He's never had a clue and never will, can't stand the guy and just wish someone would kick him out of the door, he's got a horrible way of making bad situations even worse and has shown his contempt for those putting money in his fat pockets many times before.

[gooners]

PHW at it again? :haha:

And so it begins; I await the subsequent 'theo is a greedy fuck' diatribes from the gullible fans!

Sorry, theo -- you were sold a fairytale :rose:

[Cripps_orig]

PHW :doh:

He and Wenger and Gazidis need to GTFO asap

[Kano]

and yet it's ridiculous to pay stupid money to feo and anyone else?

do me a favour. just spend the fucking money, rather than wasting it

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-take-55m-hit-after-park-fails-to-make-the-grade-8203568.html

[Olivier's xmas twist]

and yet it's ridiculous to pay stupid money to feo and anyone else?

do me a favour. just spend the fucking money, rather than wasting it

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-take-55m-hit-after-park-fails-to-make-the-grade-8203568.html

Not sure what this has to do with theo.

[gooners]

and yet it's ridiculous to pay stupid money to feo and anyone else?

do me a favour. just spend the fucking money, rather than wasting it

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-take-55m-hit-after-park-fails-to-make-the-grade-8203568.html

but city/chelsea/utd,/pool do worse ;)

[Olivier's xmas twist]

but city/chelsea/utd,/pool do worse ;)

They do, the diffrence is they can afford to right off players like Ade etc who they don't want.

Same with chavs.

[gooners]

They do, the diffrence is they can afford to right off players like Ade etc who they don't want.

Same with chavs.

we just wrote off 5.5mil on a player; ---- how many minutes did he play for us? --- now extrapolate that and make your comparisons with city/chelsea again.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Looks to me like PHW has sealed Theo's exit. Why does PHW always do this? Wade in when he's not wanted. He's a f*cking hypocrite...one minute he says Arsene is solely in charge of Football affairs and the next minute PHW wades in making comments about first team players like it's his business.

His timing is always rotten too.

the best one's where he says we're not breaking the wage structure for anyone yet wenger is on £140k+ a week. its alright when its their own.

[fakeyank]

Not sure what this has to do with theo.

The fact that the extra income we are not ready to give him, we will eventually spend on buying a replacement. Someone who is going to take time to adapt to PL i.e. if he is from abroad. We can save that by just paying Theo the extra 25K (if newspapers are right). The extra 25K/week equals 1.3 million quid a year... just by the signing fee of 5.5 million quid, that is as good as offering Theo a 4 year deal with the extra 25K. Sounds like a completely reasonable investment rather than look for a player who doesnt know our way of football and/or probably that of the PL.

[Power n Glory]

and yet it's ridiculous to pay stupid money to feo and anyone else?

do me a favour. just spend the fucking money, rather than wasting it

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-take-55m-hit-after-park-fails-to-make-the-grade-8203568.html

Wenger owed Monaco a favour. :lol:

[Japan Shaking All Over]

The fact that the extra income we are not ready to give him, we will eventually spend on buying a replacement. Someone who is going to take time to adapt to PL i.e. if he is from abroad. We can save that by just paying Theo the extra 25K (if newspapers are right). The extra 25K/week equals 1.3 million quid a year... just by the signing fee of 5.5 million quid, that is as good as offering Theo a 4 year deal with the extra 25K. Sounds like a completely reasonable investment rather than look for a player who doesnt know our way of football and/or probably that of the PL.


Its safe to say that 25k is not going to break us and it could be considered a sound investment when you way up the alternatives but one thing, one risk to factor into the whole shabam is Theo's general form, whether it be in his desired position or not. . .if we are tacking on another zero for the Theo that came on against Wham then I would ask 'What are we waiting for, pay the guy!' His general play, goal, and celebration had me pumped and the crowd reacted by singing out his name

But the guys form is erratic at best, maybe this floating three up front will finally give him a shot at what he says is his bezt performance but up till now he hasnt done enough to play 'hold out' with regards to wage demands.

With regards to the risk of bringing in someone nee and the time it would take for them to adjust to the PL, I agree and it was the same worry I had about the start to this campaign but Pods and Santi are doing OK so we might not neef to worry so much

[Olivier's xmas twist]

the best one's where he says we're not breaking the wage structure for anyone yet wenger is on £140k+ a week. its alright when its their own.

So he has been on it for a while, end of the day he is the manger so of course they would break the bank for him.

The fact that the extra income we are not ready to give him, we will eventually spend on buying a replacement. Someone who is going to take time to adapt to PL i.e. if he is from abroad. We can save that by just paying Theo the extra 25K (if newspapers are right). The extra 25K/week equals 1.3 million quid a year... just by the signing fee of 5.5 million quid, that is as good as offering Theo a 4 year deal with the extra 25K. Sounds like a completely reasonable investment rather than look for a player who doesnt know our way of football and/or probably that of the PL.

We may not, we may buy someone who is Pl Based i guess it depends tbh, Well Theo says its not about money, so signing that 75k deal should not be a problem tbh and it shold not have any effect on the article.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

we just wrote off 5.5mil on a player; ---- how many minutes did he play for us? --- now extrapolate that and make your comparisons with city/chelsea again.

Not many, but he was never bought to play, more to sell shirts.

[Kano]

its more about the moaners who complain about him being greedy.

they're all greedy fuckers, (bar Sir Jenk's of course) so just pay him. why write of £5.5m for some useless piece of shite, when you could give it to a player that will contribute. why on earth does it matter to us if he wants an extra 25k a week - with or without that expenditure we will still being pissing money up the wall in some other way. we might as well aim for the bowl instead.

[Grebbo]

If you pay Walcott £80k a week then what are you gonna pay the rest of them when their contracts are up? Santi £150k? Ox, Jack, Merts etc? Does Walcott deserve to earn more than Arteta, Merts, Verm, Jack?? Our wage bill is fucking huge as it is.

All this stuff about Walcott wanting to play up front is pure bollocks. It's about money and nothing else. Does he think Man U, Citeh, Chavs etc would buy him and play him as a striker????

Wenger's not an idiot, if he thought Walcott would be a revelation as a striker he'd play him up as a striker.

Walcott is a super sub. Always has been. Always will be.

Nothing wrong with being a super sub but not worth £80k pw.

Sign a Spaniard instead.

[GP]

Good post.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

If you pay Walcott £80k a week then what are you gonna pay the rest of them when their contracts are up? Santi £150k? Ox, Jack, Merts etc? Does Walcott deserve to earn more than Arteta, Merts, Verm, Jack?? Our wage bill is fucking huge as it is.

All this stuff about Walcott wanting to play up front is pure bollocks. It's about money and nothing else. Does he think Man U, Citeh, Chavs etc would buy him and play him as a striker????

Wenger's not an idiot, if he thought Walcott would be a revelation as a striker he'd play him up as a striker.

Walcott is a super sub. Always has been. Always will be.

Nothing wrong with being a super sub but not worth £80k pw.

Sign a Spaniard instead.

:gp:

[Kano]

If you pay Walcott £80k a week then what are you gonna pay the rest of them when their contracts are up? Santi £150k? Ox, Jack, Merts etc? Does Walcott deserve to earn more than Arteta, Merts, Verm, Jack?? Our wage bill is fucking huge as it is.

All this stuff about Walcott wanting to play up front is pure bollocks. It's about money and nothing else. Does he think Man U, Citeh, Chavs etc would buy him and play him as a striker????

Wenger's not an idiot, if he thought Walcott would be a revelation as a striker he'd play him up as a striker.

Walcott is a super sub. Always has been. Always will be.

Nothing wrong with being a super sub but not worth £80k pw.

Sign a Spaniard instead.

who gives a shit, none of em are worth it and if they want a real pay rise they will be fucking off anyway.

we write off 5.5m just like that on some useless muppet and mess around with rvp etc when it comes to wages?

why does it matter to us how much they pay em. just pay em. they're all mercenaries and the only way we'll ever have a stable team is by paying them.

there is no one that can justify there wages, so its a non argument.

[fakeyank]

If you pay Walcott £80k a week then what are you gonna pay the rest of them when their contracts are up? Santi £150k? Ox, Jack, Merts etc? Does Walcott deserve to earn more than Arteta, Merts, Verm, Jack?? Our wage bill is fucking huge as it is.

All this stuff about Walcott wanting to play up front is pure bollocks. It's about money and nothing else. Does he think Man U, Citeh, Chavs etc would buy him and play him as a striker????

Wenger's not an idiot, if he thought Walcott would be a revelation as a striker he'd play him up as a striker.

Walcott is a super sub. Always has been. Always will be.

Nothing wrong with being a super sub but not worth £80k pw.

Sign a Spaniard instead.

Our wage bill is huge coz shit like Diaby, Bendy, Denilson, Chakma, Squillaci, Djourou etc are on huge salaries. Why dont we just let these fuckers leave for free?! I'd rather have Theo over all of those... thats saying a lot coz I dont rate Theo a lot!! I just want some fucking continuity in the team! We just cant compete selling players every season!

[Grebbo]

we write off 5.5m just like that on some useless muppet and mess around with rvp etc when it comes to wages?

why does it matter to us how much they pay em. just pay em. they're all mercenaries and the only way we'll ever have a stable team is by paying them.

there is no one that can justify there wages, so its a non argument.

Park was a fuck up but that's life. Every club has a Park, several of them probably. Walcott could be another Park. What if we give him a 5yr deal @ £80k pw and he doesn't get in the team? He's not getting in the team now. We've got loads of attacking midfielders/would be wingers.

We didn't fuck around with RVP's wages. We offered him a £5m signing on fee and £140k per week. He didn't leave for money, he left because he didn't agree with how our club was being run (and for more money).

[Grebbo]

Our wage bill is huge coz shit like Diaby, Bendy, Denilson, Chakma, Squillaci, Djourou etc are on huge salaries. Why dont we just let these fuckers leave for free?! I'd rather have Theo over all of those... thats saying a lot coz I dont rate Theo a lot!! I just want some fucking continuity in the team! We just cant compete selling players every season!

I agree our policy of paying average players above average wages is wrong. The reason it's wrong (and the answer to your question) is because we cannot get rid of them, even for free, as they won't leave for a club offering lower wages.

We offered Arshavin for free and he wouldn't go.

The players you mention could have worked out to be very good players. It's only cos they turned out to be shit that we're moaning about their wages.

[Kano]

Park was a fuck up but that's life. Every club has a Park, several of them probably. Walcott could be another Park. What if we give him a 5yr deal @ £80k pw and he doesn't get in the team? He's not getting in the team now. We've got loads of attacking midfielders/would be wingers.

We didn't fuck around with RVP's wages. We offered him a £5m signing on fee and £140k per week. He didn't leave for money, he left because he didn't agree with how our club was being run (and for more money).
course we did, we didn't pay the market rate when we could of. and rvp left over money. they all do. of course walcott will play. we get injuries every season, guaranteed, so he'll get a solid amount of games and contribute far more than someone like park, cham, arsh can do sitting around on their arses.

i used to care what we pay but now i completely realise how much of a con the whole club is at the moment, then fuck it. pay the money - we might just get something back on the pitch then.

[Syn]

Hindsight is wonderful - not long ago most of us were thinking Theo was a complete waste of space. At that point had we offered him a contract...acting early with 2-3 years left and tying him up with an extra 3-4, the club would've got criticised. Offering Walcott near 6 figures when he hasn't cemented his position in the team let alone become a reliable player could be just as irresponsible as paying the other shitsters half that money. There was a time when Arshavin was considered the mutt's nuts; had we doubled his wages there for an extra 2 years on the contract, we wouldn't have cared at all.

But from Walcott's perspective, he can't prove himself as a top player deserving of such money until he gets some starts. And he can't do much else right now but keep netting goals - and he has got 4 for us already this season. I think he'll get goals but anyone playing upfront for Arsenal in recent years gets goal. Gervinho has 5 already and I think he's a shit finisher. I didn't particularly think Adebayor was a natural finisher and he netted plenty. Put Vermaelen upfront and he'll get 20 tap-ins. From the club's perspective, having a 'wide' (as I have said, I don't think any Arsenal attacker is constrained by that label) goalscorer is very valuable.

I wanted the club to break the bank for Van Persie. I still can't believe we let him go to Man Utd. £200k a week - whatever, we should've just offered him what he wanted, because we might well have been on course to win the league if he was still an Arsenal player. But I'm not losing sleep over Theo fucking Walcott. 3rd/4th with him, 3rd/4th without him. Same as Alex Song.

[fakeyank]

The players you mention could have worked out to be very good players. It's only cos they turned out to be shit that we're moaning about their wages.

IF they worked out, we wouldnt have added players to take over their places. Bendy/Chakma = Podolski/Giroud, Diaby/Denilson = Cazorla, Squid/DJ = Per/Kos

I dont know about Arshavin but there were reports that we turned down bids for Chakma this summer. If true, we should be ashamed at asking money for a player like him. If we can pay to get rid, we will still do good!

[Grebbo]

IF they worked out, we wouldnt have added players to take over their places. Bendy/Chakma = Podolski/Giroud, Diaby/Denilson = Cazorla, Squid/DJ = Per/Kos

I dont know about Arshavin but there were reports that we turned down bids for Chakma this summer. If true, we should be ashamed at asking money for a player like him. If we can pay to get rid, we will still do good!

Yeah I know, they didn't work out so we bought new players - not sure what you're getting at? I think we agree that those players you mentioned are shit. But we didn't know they're shit when we bought them and offered them contracts. They could have worked out to be excellent players and therefore the wages they're earning now wouldn't be an issue.

I'd be amazed if we turned down bids for Chamspak. He doesn't even make the bench. More like we offered him on a free but he refused to go.

[Power n Glory]

If you pay Walcott £80k a week then what are you gonna pay the rest of them when their contracts are up? Santi £150k? Ox, Jack, Merts etc? Does Walcott deserve to earn more than Arteta, Merts, Verm, Jack?? Our wage bill is fucking huge as it is.

All this stuff about Walcott wanting to play up front is pure bollocks. It's about money and nothing else. Does he think Man U, Citeh, Chavs etc would buy him and play him as a striker????

Wenger's not an idiot, if he thought Walcott would be a revelation as a striker he'd play him up as a striker.

Walcott is a super sub. Always has been. Always will be.

Nothing wrong with being a super sub but not worth £80k pw.

Sign a Spaniard instead.

All the players you've mentioned will encounter this problem in the near future because our wage structure is restrictive. Worrying about what we pay them if we give into Walcott is a moot point because if any of them are near the £70 - £80k mark and prove themselves to be valuable players for us, the club will most likely play hardball with them and we're likely to lose them. Under this structure, we're likely to lose all of our top players.

This is hypothetical, but say we had 4 top players all up for contract renewals and all seeking £100k a week. We'd lose all 4 players because we're so stubborn and rigid. If it's a case we only had £200k to spend on such players, why not give two star plays have the £100k a week and the other two can walk? Wouldn't that make more sense instead of trying to offer 4 players an even amount and all four of them walking because we won't break our wage structure?

We need to retain our key players and like it or not, Theo is one of them. We could probably wouldn't have picked up all 3 points without him and he contributed to us getting 3rd last season. If you don't rate him…whatever really, but the argument about our wage structure is still relevant because we keep losing key players and as long as we stick to this policy, a player you really rate will most likely walk in the near future too.

[fakeyank]

Yeah I know, they didn't work out so we bought new players - not sure what you're getting at? I think we agree that those players you mentioned are shit. But we didn't know they're shit when we bought them and offered them contracts. They could have worked out to be excellent players and therefore the wages they're earning now wouldn't be an issue.

I'd be amazed if we turned down bids for Chamspak. He doesn't even make the bench. More like we offered him on a free but he refused to go.

What I am trying to get at is why we didnt sell these players! Denilson couldve been sold for a little cheaper, same goes for Bendy and Chakma. Thats 3 players at least off the wage bill

[Grebbo]

What I am trying to get at is why we didnt sell these players! Denilson couldve been sold for a little cheaper, same goes for Bendy and Chakma. Thats 3 players at least off the wage bill

We can't sell them because they wont take a drop in wages to join another club.

We can (and have) offer them for free but if they wont take a drop in wages then we have two choices:

1. Loan them to at least get a club to pay some of their wages, with us paying the balance. We have done this but again it's up to the players to accept the loan.

2. Pay them off to leave the club like City paid Adebayor £5m to fuck off.

Bottom line is we cannot get rid of a player if the player does not want to move. Even if we offer them a free transfer. We could pay up their contract just to get them out the door but there's no point as you're not saving any money.

[Dennis Bendtner]

I think Theo is going to go and Segrio Gnabbers will be promoted. Wenger's already talked of him being in the mould of Theo and Chamberlain, and that he thinks he'll be playing this season. He's 17, about the time that the midget midfielders get their chances. And Wenger has probably weighed up his talent and reckons he can make positive contributions fairly soon. I suppose it's nothing out of the ordinary. So :wave: Theo in January? We do not like to make predictions.

[Cripps_orig]

If you pay Walcott £80k a week then what are you gonna pay the rest of them when their contracts are up? Santi £150k? Ox, Jack, Merts etc? Does Walcott deserve to earn more than Arteta, Merts, Verm, Jack??
Yes to Arteta and Jack

Arteta is average

Jack hasnt kicked a ball in 14 months and should be on 2k a week

[Niall_Quinn]

Yes to Arteta and Jack

Arteta is average

Jack hasnt kicked a ball in 14 months and should be on 2k a week

That's really bad WUMming - well below your usual standard.

[jelgoon]

Let Walcott go. He's never gonna make it to the very top anyway wherever he goes. Sure, he'll get the odd brilliant goal in the PL or for England and everyone will wet themselves about him, but then he will be anonymous for the next few games. I know he's still relatively young but he's old enought to play 5 good games on the trot. Another Saun Wright-Phillips in my opinion
I think Theo is going to go and Segrio Gnabbers will be promoted. Wenger's already talked of him being in the mould of Theo and Chamberlain, and that he thinks he'll be playing this season. He's 17, about the time that the midget midfielders get their chances. And Wenger has probably weighed up his talent and reckons he can make positive contributions fairly soon. I suppose it's nothing out of the ordinary. So :wave: Theo in January? We do not like to make predictions.

[Injury Time]

So is he dead? Wonder if he'll sign now?

[Olivier's xmas twist]

So is he dead? Wonder if he'll sign now?

Knowing his desire to plat upfront, he'd probably be out for a while lol.

[Marc Overmars]

Walnut is spending the night in hospital due to a chest injury. :console:

[Injury Time]

Apparently Wenger asked the keeper to pass on a message about the dangers of playing up front....

[Injury Time]

Walnut is spending the night in hospital due to a chest injury. :console:
Surgical removal of his wallet/soul/innerGHel*

*delete as appropriate

[Grebbo]

The club will offer him more money now that he's injured.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

The club will offer him more money now that he's injured.

:lol:

[selassie]

The club will offer him more money now that he's injured.

:lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Bruised ribs and bruised lungs for Theo I think so not too bad.

[LDG]

Bruised ribs and bruised lungs for Theo I think so not too bad.

"little bit lungs"

[McNamara That Ghost...]

He has a little lung.

[Özim]

I think it's almost inevitable he'll be off in January.


No new contract offer for Walcott... and Arsenal could offload forward in January

Theo Walcott's future has been plunged into deeper uncertainty after he was excluded from a contract renewal drive.

And the Gunners are preparing to offload the forward in January if a resolution to his contract dispute cannot be found.

Arsenal chiefs have started a concentrated effort to sign a number of their first-team stars to new deals.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Kieran Gibbs and Emmanuel Frimpong are all in line for improved contracts, having held recent talks with the club.

But another round of formal talks over fresh terms for Walcott have not begun - casting a huge shadow over his future in north London.

Walcott, whose contract expires at the end of the season, rejected a five-year deal worth £75,000-per-week in August.

And the club were preparing to sell the England international before the summer transfer deadline, before a training ground summit between manager Arsene Wenger and Walcott ended with the forward committing his short-term future to the club.

Walcott told Wenger he wanted to stay at the Emirates Stadium, but was not prepared to sign the contract offered to him - wanting a pay deal worth closer to £100,000-per-week.

However, it is understood Arsenal chiefs are unwilling to stretch any further, with discussions now at deadlock.

Wenger is still hopeful of tying Walcott down to a new deal, but is in agreement the club should not increase their offer.

But the club are ready to sell Walcott in January to ensure they do not lose him for nothing next summer if he does not sign.

The Gunners manager already feels he has a ready-made replacement for Walcott in highly-rated youngster Serge Gnarby, while he is also interested in Crystal Palace teenager Wilfried Zaha.

Walcott is wanted by Liverpool and Chelsea, while Juventus - who could sign the ex-Southampton man on a pre-contract at the start of next year - are also interested.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2222718/Theo-Walcott-offloaded-Arsenal-January.html

[Marc Overmars]

As long as we buy a replacement he can go.

Oh wait...

[Power n Glory]

Same mistakes each year. Sick and tired of this club. Testing times.

[Kano]

no quotes in that story so it means nothing.

[jelgoon]

Its irrelevant whether he stays or not. We are not suddenly going to start winning things just because Walcott decides to sign a new contract. He's a slightly better than
average player who is unlikely to improve that much, particularly under the Wenger of recent years. I think we should sell him and use the money to renovate the board room with some comfy antique chairs [/QUOTE]

[Cripps_orig]

Played in his rightful position and he will become a great.

Played under Wenger and he will be dead footballistically within 2 years

Theo needs to leave for his own good as Nasri, Ade have done hence i bear no ill will towards them.

Cesc and RVP are ****s though

[Xhaka Can’t]

Five years ago and I wouldn't bat an eyelid at losing a player of Theo's calibre. Now I regard it pretty much as disastrous.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

As long as we buy a replacement he can go.

Oh wait...

Poldi is his replacement always was.

[Marc Overmars]

Course he was.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Course he was.

I always thought the clubs's ideal was to sell him in the summer, its clear we were always going to lose 2 players and i don't think Song was one of them.

I always thought Poldi was brought to replace Theo rather then RVP.

Saying that we need to keep Theo, give him the 100K just get it done, him going will come back to haunt us.

[Cripps_orig]

Arsenal have scheduled a final round of talks with Theo Walcott in a bid to break the contract stalemate with the forward, Goal.com can reveal.

Negotiations will resume between the Londoners and Walcott’s representatives in mid-November, with both parties hopeful that a resolution can be reached to end the long-running impasse.

Goal.com understands that Arsenal regard the forthcoming talks as the final chance of tying the England international to a new agreement.

The club will look to sell the 23-year-old, who is set to return to the starting XI for the Capital One Cup tie at Reading on Tuesday night, in the January window if there is no breakthrough next month.

However, it is believed that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger would rather offload Walcott abroad than to a Premier League rival, even if it means reducing the cost of the transfer fee.

Juventus have registered their interest in the wide forward and are ready to enter the bidding in the new year.

But the Serie A champions face strong competition from Liverpool, who regard Walcott as a possible answer to their dearth of attacking options, while Manchester City also are continuing to monitor developments.

Walcott has been locked in contract negotiations with Arsenal since the back end of last season and had been hoping for a significant upgrade on his current £60,000-a-week deal, which has just eight months to run.

Goal.com revealed back in April that the 23-year-old had been holding out for a £100,000-a-week salary that would now make him the club’s highest earner.

But Arsenal have made it clear they will not be held to ransom by the player and are unwilling to increase their package for Walcott much beyond their current £75,000-a-week offer.

There is also a dispute between Walcott and Wenger over how the player fits into the Arsenal team.

The Frenchman has used the former Southampton man almost exclusively on the right of a front three in his six-and-a-half years at the club but Walcott believes he has plenty to offer in a centre-forward role.

“It is a case of having trust in me up front,” said Walcott last month. “I was signed as a striker and it is about time, I want to play up front. I have learnt my game on the wing. When you look at what I did last year I think I can do even more. Hopefully I will be given the opportunity. I am desperate for it.”

Walcott has started only two of his 10 Arsenal games this season, and only one match – the Capital One Cup thrashing of Coventry City last month – since his contract stand-off with the club at the end of August.

This comes after he established himself as an undisputed first-team regular last season, starting 29 of Arsenal’s 32 first Premier League matches and ending the campaign as the club’s second leading scorer behind Robin van Persie, weighing in with 11 in all competitions.

Walcott is poised to make his first Arsenal start for five weeks against Reading on Tuesday in a team made up predominantly of emerging players.

The front man suffered a chest injury on England duty against San Marino earlier this month and only returned to the first-team squad against QPR last weekend.

:popcorn:

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Goal.com :haha:

[Cripps_orig]

:sleep:

[Power n Glory]

Theo won't move abroad, we have frozen him out of the team anyway so a few more months on the bench won't kill him if it means a free transfer to Liverpool. We'll be lucky to get £5m for him so no idea what a cut price would be. Too late to play hardball and talk about being held to ransom. As Adams said, he was never allowed to get down to a year on his contract.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Why won't he move abroad. He'll go to the team who pays him the most its that simple.

[GP]

Why won't he move abroad.

Because he's English. They never do.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Because he's English. They never do.

Beckham did. Then again its different when your of susperstar status.

[Cripps_orig]

Beckham did. Then again its different when your of susperstat status.

Susperstat :bow:

[GP]

Beckham did. Then again its different when your of susperstat status.

He's better than Beckham ever was. Fraud player.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

He's better than Beckham ever was. Fraud player.

:lol:

Then i guess he'l go to who ever pays him the most in the EPL.

[Power n Glory]

He's better than Beckham ever was. Fraud player.

Don't be silly. There is a reason top strikers loved playing with Beckham.

[Power n Glory]

Beckham did. Then again its different when your of susperstar status.

Beckham played for his boyhood club for years, won everything and needed a new challenge. I can't see Theo going abroad so early in his career.

[Cripps_orig]

Don't be silly. There is a reason top strikers loved playing with Beckham.

Remember who you're replying to

[GP]

Don't be silly. There is a reason top strikers loved playing with Beckham.

His silky smooth scrotum?

[Marc Overmars]

Theo better than Beckham? :lol:

Nah.

[Power n Glory]

His silky smooth scrotum?

:lol:


Get those homoerotic fantasies of yours in check. Too much focus on Beckham's celebrity status. He was a good player for club and country.

[Marc Overmars]

Ballon D'Or runner up in 1999 and courted by the biggest clubs in the world.

The sort of recognition Theo can only dream about.

[GP]

When did facts ever matter on here?

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Ballon D'Or runner up in 1999 and courted by the biggest clubs in the world.

The sort of recognition Theo can only dream about.

:lol:

[selassie]

I don't think we have a choice in the matter in regards to his destination. He's very unlikely to go to Juve IMHO. Probably Liverpool or City, though I wouldn't be that surprised if Man U and the Sc*m also register interest.

I've no idea why we keep having talks with him, we won't pay him what he wants and won't play him where he wants so what on earth are we talking to him about?

For me the ideal scenario would be to give him a short extension to his contract like we did with AHole and then let him move where he wants in the summer as he clearly doesn't see his longterm future here.

I'll be honest...I'm slightly perplexed why Arsene won't give him a run upfront, it's not like we have loads of credible options.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

I don't think we have a choice in the matter in regards to his destination. He's very unlikely to go to Juve IMHO. Probably Liverpool or City, though I wouldn't be that surprised if Man U and the Sc*m also register interest.

I've no idea why we keep having talks with him, we won't pay him what he wants and won't play him where he wants so what on earth are we talking to him about?

For me the ideal scenario would be to give him a short extension to his contract like we did with AHole and then let him move where he wants in the summer as he clearly doesn't see his longterm future here.

I'll be honest...I'm slightly perplexed why Arsene won't give him a run upfront, it's not like we have loads of credible options.

Maybe cause he has not signed a new deal, I mean lets be honest it be silly playing him there if he is only going to leave in Jan or the summer.

[selassie]

Maybe cause he has not signed a new deal, I mean lets be honest it be silly playing him there if he is only going to leave in Jan or the summer.

Well if he's banging in a load of goals it will only help us and his potential transfer value.

I really don't get Wenger...I accept Theo isn't our star player but he deserves more minutes than he's getting, he's actually done pretty well this season with the minutes he has had.

I personally think we're playing a dangerous game with Theo and have a feeling this is going to come back to bite us.

[Syn]

Even though the club have little (no?) pride left after handing our captain to Man Utd, I do think we are being ruthless with Theo right now. Ruthless to the extent that we can be - obviously we weren't quick enough to tie him down earlier. But now, Selassie is right, we could play Theo and he may score a lot of goals and we may get a bit of a bidding war in January and cash in a little (obviously nobody is going to pay mega money for a player with 6 months left).what I think the club are doing is sending a message to Theo that you're not as good as you think you are. And this has been backed up recently even on the international scene where Oxlade has been preferred. It's irrational from the club and we are not really winning from not playing him, but I can understand it...as a fan, I would do the same thing.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Well if he's banging in a load of goals it will only help us and his potential transfer value.

I really don't get Wenger...I accept Theo isn't our star player but he deserves more minutes than he's getting, he's actually done pretty well this season with the minutes he has had.

I personally think we're playing a dangerous game with Theo and have a feeling this is going to come back to bite us.

So we play him he scores a lot of goals does well, becomes the new hero then buggers off. No point playing him if you fel he is going. Where wumger got it wrong was he should have not have played him at all this season. Made it clear sign a deal or fuck off its simple.

[Kano]

he wont become a hero - he'll never be that at arsenal.

if you have players on your payroll, they are still employee's. so use em.

no use talking principles now when we've been raped by manchester every other summer.

[Power n Glory]

4 goals in 2 starts this season. They don't want to pay our players the going rate but Gazidis is entitled to a pay rise even though he's done jack shit. This will all end in tears and we don't have a leg to stand on. We're in a very weak position and I can't see him signing a new deal with us. The people are running the club are full of shit. They have no integrity.

[Syn]

@wengerknowsbest: I feel Serge Gnabry has the potential to be a huge star at this club. Is Walcott staying? Gnabry will be a huge star.

:haha:

[Cripps_orig]

When Peter Hill-Wood tried to explain why Arsenal handed chief executive Ivan Gazidis a 35 per cent pay rise last season to inflate his salary package to £2.14 million-a-year, the chairman’s response was telling.

Gazids, Hill-Wood told shareholders at a feisty AGM, had overseen “an extremely good year” and his deal had been benchmarked against industry competitors.

Few could blame Theo Walcott and his advisers for quoting those words back at senior Arsenal figures when a final attempt is made next month to break the contract stand-off between the player and the club.

It is inconsistency on a grand scale to have one rule for one board member and another entirely for the playing staff.

How Hill-Wood and the remuneration committee concluded that Arsenal’s 2011-12 financial year was so impressive when revenues remained flat and the club continued to rely on Arsene Wenger’s transfer wheeler-dealing for its healthy profit surplus is unclear.

It is not too hard to imagine gin being spluttered around the boardroom when word reached the septuagenarian-dominated directorship that Manchester City had offered Robin van Persie a £300,000-a-week salary to stop him joining Manchester United.

Yet, is Walcott being so unreasonable in his request for a 40 per cent upgrade on his current £60,000-a-week contract?

If we are to use the Hill-Wood rule of thumb from which Gazidis benefited so handsomely, the answer is no.

Measured against his fellow England regulars, Walcott’s stance is perfectly valid. The forward need only glance around at second and third tier internationals like James Milner, Gareth Barry, Glen Johnson, Frank Lampard, Joleon Lescott, Gary Cahill and Andy Carroll (who all earn six-figure salaries per week or more) to gain an appreciation of his market value.

Like these colleagues, Walcott has not produced the goods consistently on the international scene for an extended period.

But he is not asking to be parachuted into the top tier of earners with English passports, such as Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole, John Terry and Joe Hart.

Instead, he wants what he feels he is worth. This comes after Walcott established himself as an undisputed first-team regular last season, starting 29 of Arsenal’s 32 first Premier League matches before succumbing to the kind of injury that has pockmarked his career.

He finished as the club’s second leading scorer behind Robin van Persie in a season which yielded a personal-best 11 goals in all competitions. Even this season, in which he has only started two matches for his club, Walcott has plundered four goals.

By running down his Arsenal contract to the last eight months without reaching a breakthrough in talks, Walcott has manoeuvred himself into a strong negotiating position.

Admirers at home and abroad are fluttering their eyelashes, most notably Serie A champions Juventus and striker-starved Liverpool.

They recognise that Walcott could be something of a bargain in January, when £100,000-a-week wages may not appear so outrageous if the transfer fee is less than £10m.

The 23-year-old will be committing his prime years to the employers whose headed paper will bear his next signature.

It may be a frustration that Arsenal’s three chief Champions League rivals – Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs – are not at the head of the queue to sign him.

In any case, Walcott was unsure about whether to go to Man City in the summer when the Premier League champions floated their interest in the last week of the window.

Liverpool, the club he supported as a boy, represents a more realistic avenue, despite Wenger’s reluctance to sell him to a Premier League big-hitter. Juventus represent nothing more than a useful back-up option at this stage, given that Walcott is settled in England and is not sure if the time is right to move overseas.

He is being genuine when he says he wants to come to an agreement with Arsenal and stay. Walcott is a popular member of the squad, respected and liked by the players as well as the staff.

Clouding the issue are the contrasting views of Wenger and Walcott on the forward’s role in the team. As one source close to both men said: “Theo sees himself as a creative player who can play anywhere across the front three. Wenger does not see it the same way. He sees him as an impact player out wide who can unsettle the opposition over 60 minutes or come off the bench for the last half-hour and change a game.”

By asking for the twin towers of a £100,000-a-week salary and a centre-forward role, some Arsenal observers may sniff that the club would be better off cutting their losses on Walcott and concentrate on sourcing a blue-chip replacement.

Yet Arsenal already have cash swilling around the club coffers. An estimated £50m is available for transfers next year.

If Walcott was to follow Van Persie, Alex Song, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy as another A-list departure over the last 18 months, the ambition of the board will once again be called loudly into question.

It should be noted that Arsenal’s wage bill was £143m in 2011-12. Surely, it would make sense to offer Walcott around three per cent of that annual sum and make the club’s salary structure a little less egalitarian.

Spot on

[RomfordPele]

@wengerknowsbest: I feel Serge Gnabry has the potential to be a huge star at this club. Is Walcott staying? Gnabry will be a huge star.

:haha:

And revealingly big spread and interview on gnabry in tonight's evening standard too - clearly placed by the club. Anyone thinking we will sell Walcott and replace him with a decent signing needs their head examining. That cash is going straight in the biscuit tin.

[Marc Overmars]

It will be another masterstroke to get rid of the best finisher at the club.