Jack Wilshere hopeful Theo Walcott will sign new Arsenal deal
19 November 2012
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere says he hopes Theo Walcott will not become the latest big name player to quit the Emirates Stadium.
Gunners manager Arsene Wenger appears ready to risk losing Walcott for nothing next summer after declaring the England star will not be sold in the January transfer window but team-mate Wilshere hopes an agreement can be reached.
“He is an English lad and great to have around the dressing room,” Wilshere said.
“But that is up to him, the boss and the board. They are going to do whatever they are going to do. I hope he signs.
“We all know what Theo brings to the team. He has got pace, he can go behind and his movement and timing of the runs is probably the best around.
“He play anywhere – up front, right, left, central. He wants to play down the middle, so I think he will get his chance – he will just have to be patient.”
Walcott himself claimed he was prepared to do that after reiterating he saw his long-term future up front.
It is an assurance of more playing time as a striker – as much as a bigger salary – that the player is said to be seeking.
And despite being made to wait until the 86th minute against Tottenham on Saturday to show what he could do in the position, he still managed to rack up his fifth goal in as many games.
Wenger said: “It is always good when you can play everywhere.”
He pointed out Olivier Giroud could hold the ball up in a way Walcott “will not be capable to do” but added: “He is a different type of player but he can play up front, and he can play up front with Giroud as well.
“I think he has found a good mixture and good positional play on the wing.”