Arsenal: Theo Walcott Has Found His Doppelganger

Arsenal have reportedly been cornered by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as he seeks a new deal that he has yet to earn. Is he becoming another Theo Walcott?

The definition of a doppelganger is the double of a living person. By that token, Theo Walcott has found an ideological doppelganger. That man is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

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Reports from “Football Insider” indicate that Ox is looking for a 100% pay raise to raise his £52,000 a week to over £100,000. Arsenal are looking to lock in the young Englishman as his deal runs up in 2018. While Arsenal would have undoubtedly offered him a raise, few could have expected such a large number, if the reports are correct.

Such a raise would put the Ox on par with Laurent Koscielny.

There are several facets of these negotiations that are notable. First of all, that’s a lot of money for not a lot of proof. The Ox has put up two good games in a row, but this year he has been a non-factor. As much as we want to see him grow into his full potential at Arsenal and as much as Arsenal is capable of paying him, we have to wonder how far this can go.

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This past summer, it was another tedious negotiation process with Theo Walcott. Walcott emerged a very wealthy man, making the third most on the team with £110,000. Walcott did deserve a raise, he has been with the club for a decade, that loyalty alone is enough to merit a raise. But to think that he earns more than Olivier Giroud? No way.

But he got it. Arsenal’s dedication to loyalty came out on top and they gave Walcott everything he wanted. All in spite of the fact that he still had not locked down a starting role and had only ever had one good, complete season.

We are seeing an exact same situation with the Ox, if reports are true. The Ox wants to be paid as much as Koscielny and Giroud despite the fact that he has only had a few decent stretches, not even one complete season.

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I’m not saying Arsenal shouldn’t pay him, but if the Ox is seriously asking for all of this, having proven so little, then that is cause for concern. Clearly he has seen what Theo Walcott was able to accomplish using Arsenal’s undying loyalty as a weakness.

Whereas players like Olivier Giroud aren’t clamoring for a new deal and they do deserve one, you have guys like Walcott who are holding out for a raise. Hopefully rumors of the Ox doing the same are just rumors. It would be a shame to see such a good-hearted lad taking a bit of a sour path, demanding money he has in no way earned.

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All that being said, if it comes down to paying him or seeing him walk – pay him. It may set a bad precedent but the last thing we want to see is the Ox run off to Chelsea or Manchester City just to erupt on to the scene. Especially when Arsenal have the money. It’s not like they’re spending it on any thing else. Maybe on some nice leather settees for Kroenke’s new ranch.

And by the way – let’s give Giroud a raise. He shouldn’t have to ask for it.