Arsenal: Right Wing Solution Already In Squad

Many in Arsenal circles have been calling for Arsene Wenger to bring in a winger to solve the troublesome wide right position. However, the solution is already in the squad, and it’s not a popular one.

Before I begin, I must state that this is not a popular opinion. In fact, it is an opinion that is dismissed by most people among Arsenal circles. However, it is one that I feel still has some value, and if Arsene Wenger agrees, could bring great success to the club next season.

Related Story: Alexis Sanchez Rumors Are Becoming Farcical

Many have called for reinforcements at the troubling right wing position. With no one able to nail down the starting position last season, it has led to wide spread thought that Wenger, if he has any aspirations of winning that ever elusive Premier League title, needs to find significant improvement at the position.

Such thought has seen Arsenal heavily linked to Henrikh Mkhitaryan, as well as rumors positing the possibility of seeing Leicester City star and PFA Player of the Season Riyad Mahrez in the red of Arsenal.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

However, such players, while talented, are not the best solution to Arsenal’s wide right problems. The solution can be found internally, and his name is Theo Walcott.

I can already feel the hatred flaming through your screens, but just hear me out. First and foremost, Walcott is undoubtedly talented. In his time with Arsenal he has perhaps been the most frustrating player in the squad.

That is not simply due to poor performances. Rather, it is due to what everyone knows what he can do. Waclott’s ability merits a consideration as a potential star, and I use the word potential on purpose.

Yes, Theo is now 27 and has now spent a decade at the Emirates, but he still possesses potential. It is not poor form that has cost Walcott his time at Arsenal. Rather, it is that ever present problem of injuries.

Theo simply cannot stay fit, and whenever he gets fit and begins to show what he can do, he suffers yet another injury, costing him more time in the starting eleven.

Walcott’s best period with the club saw him score 31 Premier League goals, assist a further 25 in 75 starts over three years. That is fantastic production from the wide right position, and when these periods of success were intermixed with time on the injury table, it becomes even more impressive.

Many of the games throughout these seasons were Theo regaining his match sharpness and yet he still produced at a top quality level. In the three years since then, Walcott has suffered much more from injuries, and has still been able to score 15 goals in 28 starts, assisting six. This is good production no matter what the circumstances. With the injuries and positional uncertainty, it is clear to see that Walcott has great quality and great potential if he can stay fit.

Next: 5 Jamie Vardy Replacements Arsenal Should Target

That is the issue, if he can stay fit, but with a full Summer off and a few months of training, rest and recuperation, he can return back to full fitness next year and solve Arsenal’s right wing issue.