Nigel Winterburn sends message to Arsenal fans about 28-year-old striker
The former Arsenal defender believes Theo Walcott is facing an uncertain future at the Emirates Stadium
Nigel Winterburn believes Theo Walcott is facing an uncertain future at Arsenal.
The Gunners spent a club-record fee on signing France international Alexandre Lacazette on Wednesday evening as Arsene Wenger bolstered his attacking options at The Emirates.
Lacazette will be tasked with helping to fire the Gunners back into the top four after Arsenal finished in fifth place in the Premier League table last term.
The 26-year-old striker scored 28 times in 31 appearances in Ligue 1 last term to underline his status as one of Europe’s most-prolific centre-forwards.
Walcott’s future at The Emirates could be bleak given increased competition for a starting spot from Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck, Lucas Perez and Alexis Sanchez.
The England international scored 10 goals in 24 appearances in the Premier League last term, while Walcott netted a further nine times in the cup competitions.
However, former Arsenal defender Winterburn believes Walcott could be set to leave the Gunners in the summer transfer window.
“The problem for Theo is that Arsenal switched the system at the end of last season and that system doesn’t suit him, not at Arsenal anyway.
“Theo will think that if Arsenal are trying to limit his game time, he’ll feel like ‘where do I fit in? Is it time for a new challenge?’
“I think when players of that quality become available, it’s natural to say that they would say they are interested. West Ham playing with two up front including Carroll with Theo, I can see that working very well. Then you also have the option of playing him off the striker or playing right left, so you’re getting a fair bit for your money.
“The problem for Theo at Arsenal is where do they see him playing if they stick to a back three or back five?”
Arsenal were 2-0 winners against Premier League champions Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
