Arsene Wenger, fearful of losing yet another star following Robin van Persie’s exit claims, is now reported to be ready to offer Theo Walcott a new contract at the Emirates.
Walcott, like Van Persie, has just a single year left on his contract at the Emirates, and could be ready to leave on a free transfer next summer if Arsenal do not bow down to his contract demands, which could be to the tune of around £100,000-a-week.
And while Wenger does not want to be strong-armed, the Frenchman is wary of the backlash that would be expected from Gunners’ fans if Walcott was allowed to slip away.
With that in mind, the date for a meeting between Wenger and the player’s representatives has been fast-tracked to put an end to the contrant rumour regarding the England international’s future.
Walcott is currently still away on vacation following his national team duties in the European Championships, and is set to return to the Emirates later this week, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur all keeping tabs on the winger’s situation at the North London club.
Arsenal are set to embark on a pre-season tour of the Far East, and are using Walcott as a key marketing tool for the club. Thus, with the Gunners set to face financial implications if Walcott does leave, Wenger does not want to leave anything to chance and endure a repeat of last season’s fiasco, when star midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri walked out on the club just before the closing of the transfer window.
No backlash forthcoming. Quite frankly, would prefer an injury prone Affelay to Walcott any day. Seriously, Victor Moses is there for the taken, Walcott”s stopping progress.