Theo Walcott

Published: 30 April, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT

IF Theo Walcott decides to head for the exit at the Emirates this summer he’ll be leaving “the best team in Europe”. 

That’s not the view of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger or an excited fan, but the player himself, who spoke about life at the club this week. 

The England international has been restricted to just a handful of appearances, most of which have come from the substitutes bench, since returning to the first team squad in January following almost a year on the sidelines with a knee injury. 

That, combined with the fact his current contract expires at the end of next season, has sparked countless rumours that the 26-year old is ready to sort out a new challenge. 

Chelsea and Liverpool are said to be among the clubs leading the chase for his signature. But Walcott has hinted he could be ready to sign a new contract after tipping an injury-free Arsenal to win the title. 

“There’s a lot of competition for places so everyone seems to lift a gear and play extremely well,” he said. 

“It makes it a bit more difficult for people to get into the team. 

“I think, especially this season, not many people thought we’d be second and challenging for the Premier League. 

“In this calendar year, we’ve been the best team in Europe. It’s the strongest the squad has been and everyone is staying fit as well. There aren’t many injuries in the squad, which is important. 

“If we had an injury-free season I think we could lift the title.” 

Speaking about his current connections on the pitch, Walcott added: “I get on well with the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere, who tend to often look for that ball between the centre-back and the full-back, which I love to run on to. 

“All it takes is a slight little eye contact and they know what I’m going to do. Mesut Ozil is a similar player, he just looks forward first and you want to have a lot of those guys in the team. We have many options like that in this team.”