Arsene Wenger has been stockpiling classy midfielders at Arsenal as if they are going out of fashion, and they all seem to have played on the wing this season! It is pretty clear that we do no need an additions in that area, and Wenger has cited that reason for not challenging Man United to the signing of Memphis Depay.
“I like the player but he plays in a position where we have plenty in abundance,” Wenger said. “He plays wide and we have eight players who can play wide in two positions.”
On the subject of Man United starting their transfer business before the season has even ended, Wenger was adamant that there was no rush for the Gunners: “What you want to do, more than do it early, is to do it right.
“You have to take the opportunities when they come up but that’s not only decided by your desire, sometimes it’s created by the club that sells the player as well.
“Fix your target, be on alert and do it when it’s possible.”
Obviously one of those eight wingers is Theo Walcott, and Le Prof has confirmed that Theo will definitely be at the Emirates next season, even if it is only until Xmas: “We are already talking to him,” Le Prof asserted.
“When you go into negotiations with a player it is with a desire for him to stay. He looks keen to do it and I am keen to do it, so let’s see what comes out.
“We are always in the mode where we want to be successful. In case of failure, we’ll see.
“But in case of failure – that will only be in December next year.”
So it seems Wenger is serious about his plans to keep the current squad intact going into next season, and as we all remember the never-ending Sign Da Ting saga last time, there is every reason to believe that Walcott and Arsenal will finally come to an agreement. Maybe both sides will be hoping that Walcott proves his worth early on in the next campaign before coming to a settlement, or maybe Wenger will just leave him on the bench?