january 21st
Well, thank God he signed. It’s been a boring week for some Arsenal fans as all the other Arsenal fans were talking Walcott all the time. It was like being on a long car journey with the kids. “Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?”
It was hardly a case that the deal was in the balance either. It was obvious he was going to sign. Anyway, what we have got is one of England’s finest young talents for £5 down with another £7.5 to be paid based on appearances and achievements.
Theo Walcott is now an Arsenal player.
Arsene Wenger said “Theo Walcott is a very young player, but has already shown in his performances for Southampton that he is a talented player with huge potential. We are delighted Theo has signed for the Club and will make a fantastic addition to our squad.”
He also thinks it won’t be too long before he’s ready for first team action, saying “As a player he is ready to compete in the first team. Maybe he needs an adaptation of a few weeks, but after that you have to be open – you look at the quality and not the age of the players.”
Where exactly he’s going to play him remains to be seen but I suspect wide right is where we’re likely to see him. There’s no doubting his potential and his ability but at 16 he’s still not fully grown and maybe up front is too much physically for him.
The player himself was delighted to join the club, saying “I’m very excited about this move and the chance to train with world-class players. It’s all about my development as a player. Money has never been an option for me so I don’t pay much attention to that. All the youngsters at Arsenal get a chance to play and, hopefully, I will do that one day and go on to big things.”
Wenger compared him to Rooney, obviously in terms of his talent as a footballer and not his fatness or thick necked studpidity and while some people might think £12.5m for a 16 year old is a lot you have to think how much he’d have cost in a season or two seasons time. One thing I think we have to do is be patient with him as well. He is only 16 and no matter how good a player he is that can be a disadvantage at times. Overall though, like everyone else, I am very happy he’s an Arsenal player. At last.
Ahead of today’s game against Everton Sol Campbell is fit and should line up alongside Philippe Senderos in the centre of defence, with Kerrea Gilbert at right back meaning Lauren moves over the the left.
New signing Abou Diaby could make the bench. Right, I’m off to do the shopping then to see the Everton game. No match for my team this weekend so it’s a peaceful and injury free Saturday.
