Arsenal: ‘Wanted’ Theo Walcott becoming a plug

Arsene Wenger has reiterated his stance that Theo Walcott is ‘wanted’ at Arsenal. However, the winger is becoming a plug, preventing the progress of younger, higher ceiling players.

Over several seasons of quiet but efficient work in the transfer window, primarily built on a lack of departures that had previously scuppered the progress of the team, Arsene Wenger has assembled a deep and varied Arsenal squad. Although there is a lack of the cutting-edge, top-tier quality that is necessary to challenge for and win titles, in terms of depth, the Gunners’ squad is as good as it ever has been.

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As a result, not all of the members of the squad have been afforded the game time that some perhaps believe they deserve. That, in turn, casts doubt over there utility and their value. Does Wenger see them as a worthwhile investment and important member of the squad?

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One such player whose influence and standing has been questioned is Theo Walcott. He has lost his Premier League starting role, having played just 47 minutes in the league this season, and is now a member of the Europa League-Carabao Cup rotation that Wenger has implemented to navigate the high frequency of games. But Wenger, in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s hosting of Swansea City, claimed that he still wants Walcott at the Emirates, even with his limited league playing time:

"“I do not want Theo to move on. When you look at the number of minutes these guys have played it’s quite a big number. His time in the Premier League will come. I’ve gone into a rotation policy because we play Thursday, Sunday most of the time so at the moment he has got less minutes in the Premier League than other competitions.”"

But while Walcott may be wanted by Wenger, he is becoming a plug to the progress of other players in the squad. Because his role has reduced significantly this season, he has far less responsibility. Consequently, a younger player would be able to handle the engagements that Walcott has been featured in.

And there are younger players who have a far greater potential than Walcott, who will turn 29 this season. The likes of Reiss Nelson, who is currently being shafted out as a right wing-back, Eddie Nketiah, the two-goal hero from Tuesday night, and even Jeff Reine-Adelaide and Chuba Akpom, could all play in Walcott’s position.

Walcott is becoming a progress stopper. Unfortunately, the potential that glimmered throughout his younger years never came to be. That is for a variety of reasons, and not necessarily of Walcott’s fault. It is now time for him to move on so that players who still possess that potential can be given the opportunity to prove their ability and hone their talents.

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Wenger may claim to still want Walcott. He may still claim to have a role for Walcott throughout the year. But he shouldn’t. He should be ushering in a new era of youth. The time has come for Theo’s North London time to come to an end.