Do Not Sell My Personal Information
A story less publicized during Arsenal’s pursuit of Petr Cech was the rumour surrounding Chelsea’s demand for a homegrown player in return. Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain where the player’s most mentioned, with the former especially destined for a move according to reports.
It is uncertain whether there was any truth in these rumours (regarding Chelsea’s interest in Walcott), but one thing that is certain is that Theo was never going to Chelsea. The player is Arsenal through and through, having been recruited from Southampton aged just 17 and nurtured and developed at the club.
A sale was never on the cards at any price, but in the event there was, Walcott would move abroad before joining Chelsea. That goes for any team in England really, such is Theo’s devotion to Arsenal and Wenger.
From the club’s standpoint, Arsenal are no longer in a position where they must sell or offload their top players. The money was available to both sign Cech and keep hold of Walcott, paying the pair of them handsomely at that.
Walcott said before signing his new deal that he felt Arsenal have developed a strong core of players who have grown and matured together over the past few years, and felt something special was coming soon and he wanted to be apart of it.
At 26, he is at the peak of his powers and approaching what Wenger calls his “golden years.” Walcott said his intention was always to sign an extension at the club, and for me a move to Chelsea was always a non starter.
