Transfer talk will soon turn to
potential signings, but Arsene Wenger must start by clearing out the dead wood
at the Emirates. It looks as if Arsenal will finish the 2015/16 campaign
without a major trophy. That will disappoint both fans and manager alike, and
Arsene Wenger could be left with a significant rebuilding job on his hands come
the summer. Much of the focus on Twitter and fan forums will be on potential
signings – a new striker, perhaps, or some more defensive cover. But any refit
will also involve players being discarded. Some will fetch a pretty penny, but
some should just be let to go.
This summer will mark 12 months since Walcott signed his latest long-term deal with the club. However, on the evidence of this season, he may not be around to see that contract to its completion. 36 appearances across all competitions have yielded just eight goals, and his form has tailed off dramatically in the second half of the campaign. Currently, he finds himself behind the likes of Joel Campbell and Alex Iwobi in the pecking order for the wide positions, while Danny Welbeck’s return has limited Walcott’s opportunities as a centre-forward. Walcott’s home-grown status could make him desirable to the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea, while his relatively recent extension would ensure he commanded a significant fee. Wenger may now feel that money would be better reinvested in the squad.