Arsenal transfer news: Southampton urged to sign Walcott, Wilshere set for contract talks, and more, 29th December 2017
Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier wants club to sign Theo Walcott
The 28-year old has failed to become a first-team regular under Arsene Wenger despite joining the club in 2006 from Southampton. The former Saints youngster was tipped to lead the line for Arsenal but that hasn't happened yet. Now, at 28 years of age, Walcott is a squad player and is, therefore, looking for a way out.
While Walcott's star has fallen, Southampton legend, Matt Le Tissier, still has faith in the Englishman and wants to see him at St. Mary's. He told talkSPORT:
"Theo should have left Arsenal a while back. He has stagnated there and it's not been great for his career in terms of the games he has played in recent years. It would be great if we could get him back but I'm not sure if the wage structure at Southampton would allow those guys to come into the club."
While wages could definitely prove to be a factor, it definitely makes sense for Walcott to take a pay cut in order to revive his career and even fight for a spot in Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad with regular first-team football. On the other hand, letting Walcott go will allow Wenger to sign a younger replacement who can do better at the Emirates in the longer run.
Jack Wilshere ready for contract talks
The 25-year old is in the final year of his contract and looked increasingly likely to leave the club in the upcoming transfer window after a slow start to the season. The Frenchman preferred Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka in the midfield two, thereby confining Wilshere to appearances in cup competitions.
However, an injury to Ramsey opened the door for the Englishman and he is now starting games in the Premier League. Prior to the match against Crystal Palace, where Wilshere demonstrated his passing range with a brilliant assist to Alexis Sanchez, Wenger confirmed that he will open talks with the midfielder in the coming weeks. Now, Wilshere confirmed as much after the match on Arsenal.com and said:
"I spoke to the boss and he says he’s going to speak to me. So we’ll see when he speaks to me and I’m sure it will be done.”
Wenger spoke about when the talks will happen in his post-match press conference and said:
"We need to sit down with him. Beginning of January, it's planned. There is no delay. I said we would sort out his situation in December, end of December. I told him we want to meet and sit down with him to talk about the future. That's what I did."
This spells good news for Arsenal fans as a player who has been at the club since 2001 will continue to be an integral part of the side.
Wenger gives no guarantee over Alexis Sanchez's future
The Chilean starred in the Gunners' 2-3 victory at Crystal Palace with a brace and when a question was put forth to Wenger regarding his situations, the gaffer said:
"Nobody knows what will happen. It's difficult to speculate. We are focused on short-term, that means the next game with the players committed and ready to fight. It's not a guarantee of how long you stay somewhere. As long as you are somewhere, you give your best."
Thus, Sanchez's contract saga is set to rumble on with time running out for Arsenal as the January transfer window looms. The chances are high that the 29-year old will leave the Gunners in one of the upcoming transfer windows and it makes sense for Wenger to plan ahead and sign a quality replacement.