Theo Walcott has recently been linked with a move away from Arsenal, but club legend Martin Keown claims the speedster will never leave as long as Arsene Wenger is in charge, as reported by the Daily Mail.
The 27-year-old has really struggled for form recently, and despite some excellent performances during the tail end of last season, he has found himself on the peripheries.
Most recently he’s found his starting spot under threat from the likes of Alex Iwobi, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Joel Campbell, and the Nigerian teenager looks to be winning the battle.
Keown believes the faith Arsene Wenger has shown in Walcott will be enough to keep him at Arsenal, and claims until the Frenchman leaves, Walcott is going nowhere.
“He’s been at the club for 10 years now and I think he’s at a crossroads, but Arsene Wenger certainly believes in him. While Wenger is at the club, Walcott will be there. The manager has fought to hold on to him with big contracts and shown a lot of loyalty to him,” Keown said.
“What will trouble Walcott the most is that he still hasn’t nailed down a regular starting place in the squad. I personally would be struggling to keep a lid on my frustration if I were in his position, and it’s to his credit that he is remaining professional.”
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It does seem unlikely that Wenger would sell Walcott, as after pouring so much into him as a youngster, he will be desperate for his investment to give dividends.
It’s arguably untrue that Walcott has remained professional the entire time, as he’s regularly held the club to ransom during times when we needed him most and when his contract was winding down; then not performing once the contract is renewed.
It has often seemed like Walcott is only motivated by contract renewals, and when that’s not on the line he is content to sit on the bench and underperform.
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It would be fantastic to see Walcott finally realise his potential and remain at the club, but if he doesn’t step up then he’s just going to continue being a drain on our wages
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