Window Shopping #1: Theo Walcott
14 comments January 6th, 2006
Seeing as the January transfer window is now well and truly open, I thought it’d be “fun” if over the next few weeks, I filled some of the less aware amongst us in about some of our potential targets.
Although the prime candidate for an Arsenal squad number has to be a six foot plus central midfielder, occasionally a talent will come along which is so outstanding that it demands attention. Theo Walcott is in that bracket.
The moment this became clear to me was on Sunday, 11 December. Southampton were playing Luton, and with 22 minutes gone, a long clearance released the 16-year-old Walcott way out wide on the left wing. He had done well to prevent the ball going out for a goal kick. But to volley it over the ‘keeper into the far top corner? Astonishing.
Walcott’s ability pushes boundaries. At 16 years of age, he’s already an established first team player. His potential is not dissimiliar to that of Wayne Rooney. As speculation about Thierry Henry’s future grows, a young English successor is emerging on the south coast. Lightning quick, with two good feet, and outstanding control, Walcott is a defender’s nightmare.
Southampton is a great place for him to be for now, and maybe even for the next 18 months. But it wouldn’t hurt to put down a deposit on his signature at this early stage. Why not sign him and then loan him back? His value will only increase. It’s a superb investment.
Like any sensible Arsenal fan, I recognise that a teenager who can play on the wing or upfront is not what we need most now. But if Walcott is somewhere near the top of our shopping list, I would neither be surprised, nor disappointed.
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Cardiff in the FA Cup on Saturday. Wenger says our team will be at “90%” strength, with Sol Campbell and Thierry Henry the most likely to get rests.
I’d love to retain the FA Cup, what with being so shit in the league and all.
