Theo Walcott says as he wants to stay at Arsenal, and that the delay over a new contract is not due to money but is for “football reasons”.
In an interview to publicise the Mars Just Play initiative, Walcott stressed that he does not want to Arsenal and reiterated that he still aims to become a “club legend” like Thierry Henry.
“It’s a slow process,” Walcott said. “My last contract took over six months to happen. Hopefully it can be sorted out.
“I’ve never said I wanted to go, I’ve always wanted to stay. I want to be an Arsenal legend. Thierry joined the club when he was 22 and I want to become an Arsenal legend like him, playing up front as well, which is a big factor for me. I’ve played on the right wing and had the opportunity to play up front a bit more so I think it’s about time.
“That speculation on the money side of it has never been me. That’s not me. I’m not the sort of person who’s influenced by money. I always make my decisions based on football and only football. Hopefully something can be sorted out. I’ll just wait for the club to get back to us now and go from there.
“It’s one of those things that happens in the game. If it comes to it, if the club had to sell me, I’d be disappointed but, like I said, hopefully something can be sorted.”
So if I am reading between the lines correctly, it sounds like Walcott has told Arsene Wenger that he wants a more central attacking role and the delay is that Wenger does not agree, seeing Walcott more out wide. Is that right?