Arsenal: Is Walcott And Wenger Agreement A Smart Move?

It is reported that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Theo Walcott have come to an agreement over a settlement on his position. However, is the agreement a good idea for both Arsenal and Walcott?

One of the most important aspects of management is keeping rotational players happy and motivated throughout a season whilst also playing other members of the squad ahead of them. Arsene Wenger, like every other manager in football, has such an issue to deal with each and every season, and heading into next year, it is looking as though the midfield may be the most difficult area of the squad to decipher.

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With the recent addition of Granit Xhaka, Arsenal have a plethora of central midfielders to choose from. With Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Francis Coquelin, Mesut Ozil and Mohamed Elneny among others already in the squad, it is a strength of the team at current time, and it will be a challenge for Wenger to cleverly and effectively rotate these players throughout the coming year.

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Right wing is another position of great uncertainty right now. Arsenal do not have a clear number one player at the position, while also having a number of options. From youngsters Serge Gnabry and Alex Iwobi to the more experienced, yet talented Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joel Campbell, there are various ways that Wenger could choose to go at the position.

One such player who has struggled with the idea of being a winger is Theo Walcott. The once lauded youngster has been unable to sculpt a role for him in the starting eleven, flitting between wide right and his more preferred central striker role. However, this Summer it has since leaked that Wenger and Walcott have come to an agreement in regards to his positional future.

With the imminent addition of Jamie Vardy (cross your fingers), there it is now a crowded competition to be the starting forward, and Theo seems to have accepted that his best chance of starting for the Gunners is at the aforementioned uncertain right wing position. However, is this agreement a smart move by Arsene Wenger and the Gunners?

This is a move that makes sense for all parties. While Walcott has flashed potential while playing upfront, especially early this season, his skill set is suited to a wide role. His touch and hold up play is not sufficient to excel as a lone striker, however, as a wide man, he can utilize his electrifying pace to great effect, will get more space to run at opposing full backs and will still be able to chip in with a decent amounts of goals.

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Theo’s game fits so much better in an attacking wide role than a central one. Moreover, he is much more likely to maintain a starting role as a right midfielder rather than a striker, if Vardy does indeed sign for the Gunners. Walcott is a very divisive figure among Arsenal circles, and there is much uncertainty about his future with club. However, this reported agreement between Wenger and his England international is definitely a step in the right direction.