Arsene Wenger has insisted that out-of-favour winger Theo Walcott still has a role to play for the Gunners and will be at Arsenal next season despite reports linking him with a move away from the club.
The England international has been heavily linked with Manchester City and recently West Ham United with suggestions that he may head to the Hammers in a deal worth £20 million with Slaven Blic planning to rebuild his squad.
The 27-year-old has endured a difficult season after falling down the pecking order behind Alexis Sanchez and Alex Iwobi. Recurring injuries
Recurring injuries has resulted in him losing form and being inconsistent, hence his limited appearances this season.
He has managed just five goals in 31 Premier League games for the Gunners this season and just two since the turn of year. He has not started a match since March 8.
There has been speculations that Arsenal may listen to offer from London rival West Ham but Danny Welbeck’s injury which will keep him on the sidelines for nine months after his knee surgery could have forced Wenger to have a change of mind.
As reported by the Metro, speaking during his final pre-match press conference of the season, on Walcott future among other bothering issues of the club.
The Frenchman said:
He will be here next season.
I think he should go (to the EURO). He has gone through a bad spell.He has had a difficult period but in the last month, he has come back very strong. He could be a positive surprise for England.
The Gunners boss, probably, determined to give the forward another chance at the club, believe his lack of enough playing time should not deny him a place in the English team for EURO 2016 when Roy Hodgson announces his squad on Monday.
Per ESPN claims Wenger also said he expects Hodgson to pick jack Wilshere for the Europe cUP.
“He’s an important player in [Hodgson’s] mind because of his passing qualities and dribbling qualities,” Wenger said, adding that Wilshere’s lack of playing time this season “could work in his favour.”
“Who will be the star player? Sometimes it can be a player with less than 60 games in his legs,” Wenger said. “Sometimes it’s players who have just arrived at a good moment in form.
“Players like [Daniel] Sturridge who didn’t have a long season behind him could do well, and Wilshere for example. They are players who could be in form.”
