Wenger Taking a Chance on Walcott

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed that he has no plans to sell Theo Walcott in January, even thoughhe could potentially leave on a free transfer in the summer, if he has not signed a new contract by then.

Few would question Arsene Wenger’s pedigree in the transfer market but his commitment to hold on to Walcott, despite the possibility of missing out on a substantial transfer fee, could begin to call his judgement into question. "There's a risk, yes, but that we are ready to take," said Wenger.  "We started the season with this squad and we want to finish the season with this squad."

Having sold Robin Van Persie to Manchester United in the summer, Arsenal have looked short of firepower at times this season, with Walcott posing their main threat in front of goal. If Wenger were to lose Walcott in January, as the latest  betting suggests,  it would potentially mean that he has sold his top goal scorer two years running and could leave the Gunners facing another season of mediocrity.

It is hard to know what constitutes success at Arsenal these days but, if they are to achieve it, Wenger seems to be pinning his hopes on the young Englishman;  "A successful season is more important for us than this risk that is only a financial risk, apart from the losing the player," said Wenger. "If we sell him, we lose him anyway. “

Arsene Wenger has bought and sold enough players during his time at Arsenal to know what Theo Walcott is worth and the extent of the risk that he is taking in keeping him.  If Walcott can continue to produce the goalscoring form that he has shown in the early part of the season then Arsenal will surely pick up enough results andscores to challenge for the Champions League again. If, however, the goals begin to dry up for Walcott and he is allowed to leave for free in January then the Emirates faithful will surely begin to ask questions of Wenger’s decision-making.