After last week’s rumours linking the Arsenal winger Theo Walcott to the Italian giants Juventus, it has now emerged that Barcelona are next to express their interest in signing the Gunners speedster.
The Daily Star reports that Pep Guardiola is a fan of the 22 year-old and would like to link up his speed with that of Lionel Messi. The story also suggests that the Barcelona manager would be willing to play Walcott as a striker in the central role that he craves at Arsenal.
Admittedly, this does indeed seem very far-fetched. After all, with the players they already have and the fact that Walcott has been distinctly average for the club – this season in particular – does point to a nonsensical rumour. However, with an increasing number of ‘big’ clubs rumoured to be watching the Englishman, are the supporters willing away a valuable asset?
Theo Walcott has often been named as the league’s fastest player amongst the likes of Aaron Lennon, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Cole. However, the fact that he doesn’t yet seem to know how to control his speed and deliver crosses whilst travelling at over 22mph does suggest that he is an athlete rather than a footballer.
Nonetheless, there is no doubt that he is special in terms of his speed. Lionel Messi himself voiced his opinion on the winger, saying “He’s one of the most dangerous players I have ever played against”. Some might argue that the Argentinean clearly hasn’t watched Walcott outside of European competition, where he has proved to be far less effective.
With several top clubs willing to pay eight figure sums for what Gooners see as an inadequate member of the squad, some might suggest that the club is taking a unique talent for granted. Is this really the case, or are the admirers just notably misguided?
Now all other clubs know well, Arsenal is just a business. So they can bid an player. They will get it with good price.
i guess more Barca tricks, trying to persuade us to keep him! he was very poor on Sunday, he seems to have an amazing knack of leaving the ball behind when he goes on a run. and he is shocking at taking players on.
seriously Barcelona F-off !
I believe that Theo is more suited to Spain or Italy…his style of speed only will be perfect for the breakway system those countries use. Arsene could get about £18 mill or a swap deal with Busquets coming our way?? Wither deal would be good for AFC ! If we can sell Arsharvin, Squillaci, Denilson and Bentner too for approx £ 23 mill..then AW can go for the 3 world class players we still need to compete with the top three ie; Cahill, Courcuff and M’Villa. Start Praying!
ridiculous. it would be impossible for barca to employ a player unable to pass.
I don’t believe it but let’s hope Theo does go to Barca. Wenger refuses to play him as central striker – partly because his system won’t allow it and he won’t vary his system !
On the wing Gervinho is better after only a few matches and Oxlade will soon be better too. Theo has one game only out wide. Boot the ball past his oppo. and run after it. Then very often he messes up the cross. Only one player loses the ball more often and that of course is the now dreaded Arshavin.
Yes he is still only 22 but has had some 5 years with us and will soon have to make way. It would be a good let out for Wenger to have Theo demand a move to Barca (or anywhere). Otherwise Wenger’s credibility is at stake … again.
i dont understand this he was really good last season scored 11 goals and proved 11 assist he is a player with lot of potential i would like to see more of him as a striker he scored a hat trick playing upfront in the cl few years ago but i think one thing missing to he game is consistancy
*8 assist sorry but player who can be a star he hasn’t full fil he’s potential now. but i bielieve that AOC is much better when valcott was he age he is more of a coplete player