Walcott joined Arsenal in 2006 at the age of 16 and, after scoring in the FA Cup final in May, is targeting an era of sustained success that would include a lasting Premier League title challenge.
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The Arsenal manager would not elaborate when pressed, after Saturday’s Barclays Asia Trophy final, whether he was optimistic that Walcott would sign a new contract. They will now continue their preparations for the upcoming season as they compete in the Emirates Cup against Lyon, Villarreal and Wolfsburg, beginning 25th July.
The Frenchman on the contract extension, said, “Yes, because he is close to the end of is contract next season”.
After the departure this summer of Abou Diaby, Walcott has become Arsenal’s longest serving player and is in negotiations over a deal that could potentially take him past his 30th birthday. This squad, for me, is one of the best I’ve been involved in. I enjoy playing for this club.
‘There is something special in this group. It’s not in my thought process and I think that’s the best way to be.
“I think successful teams stay together for a long time so I think this team can be very successful”. He played only 14 league games last season, just four of which were in the starting lineup.
“You don’t want to dwell on it. I won’t let that delay the way I’m going to be playing this season”.
Fluidity and flexibility will be vital next season for Arsenal but, more important still, will be the mentality of players being asked to put the team before their wider preferences. “We need to make sure we do it from the start”. Arsene Wenger further spoke to the press and hailed Theo Walcott’s performance, as the forward scored the opener in an easy win, after last season’s knee injury.
During the post-match media webinar, Stoke City boss Mark Hughes said Singapore Select XI might be pleased with the way they performed. “You see it with England and with Barcelona, so we have that sort of trust in each other knowing that everyone can do that sort of role”.
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‘It’s well documented where I want to play. I’m always going to be judged on goals, I’ve been very happy with my goal record when given the opportunity.
