Arsene Wenger has expressed his concern over the ability of the club to get Theo Walcott on a new contract. The 23-year-old is out of contract in the coming summer, thus making him one of the must have transfer targets for clubs like Manchester city and Chelsea. He will be free to discuss terms with the new club in the January transfer window, which leaves Arsenal with very little time to come to an agreement with the player. Theo Walcott had an excellent season last time around, but he has not been at the forefront of the first team this season.
He was widely expected to leave the club in the last few days of the transfer window, but decided to stay at the club after having a verbal agreement. However, he was not welcomed in the best possible manner when he was a substitute in the 6-1 win over Southampton. Theo Walcott scored the final goal for Arsenal in the match to complete the rout, but he did not celebrate the goal. Speaking after the match, the Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said that he is not sure whether Theo Walcott will sign a new deal with the club.
“It can, but at the moment, I still hope to extend his contract so, at the moment, it doesn’t affect me. Of course at some stage … if, in April, it’s not done, you can think it will be difficult to do. You want your players to be supported, no matter what kind of contractual situation they are in. I hope it will not affect him and that it will not affect our fans. Theo has gone through a lot at 23 years of age. A lot of positives, a lot of negatives and he’s level-headed,” Wenger said regarding Theo Walcott’s contract situation.
