What now for Walcott?

[Olivier's xmas twist]

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

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

[Özim]

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

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

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

[Bergkampwonderland10]

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

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

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

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Well you have already written him off anyways.

[Bergkampwonderland10]

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

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

[Master Splinter]

[Letters]

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

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

Pretty sure initially he said he was going to keep RvP and they were additions but yeah, I never quite believed him. Meh. Whatever. We're getting off topic.

[Cripps_orig]

Well you have already written him off anyways.

Never said i have written him off

[Özim]

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

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

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

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

[Power n Glory]

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

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

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

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