Theo Walcott Reveals Desire to Play on Arsenal's Wing, Talks Arsene Wenger, More

Arsenal’s Theo Walcott has told his manager Arsene Wenger he wants to play on the right flank next season, not at the point of the attack. 

The England international has been used in different positions across the front line during his playing days, although he has never totally convinced in any particular role. Speaking about the part he could potentially play in 2016-17, it seems Walcott wants to offer a threat from the wing going forward, per Nick Lustig of Sky Sports:

"

I want to make my position on the right—that’s where I know where I am now. I've told the manager that I want to be known for playing on the right again, although I can play up front.

I want to know where I want to play. The manager has said I can play up front. It depends on what game it is. I know I can do a job up front as well as on the right.

"

It’s a change in stance from the 27-year-old. As noted by Lustig, Walcott has previously expressed a desire to lead the line and be the “20-goal a season” centre-forward that Gunners supporters have craved. 

As the London Evening Standard noted on Twitter, the former Southampton man has changed his mind frequently when it comes to his best role:

In 2012, speaking to Jack Pitt-Brooke of The Independent, the Arsenal man was adamant about where he wanted to play. 

"I was signed as a striker, and it is about time, I want to play up front," he said. "I have learnt my game on the wing."

There were times early in the 2015-16 campaign when Walcott did look as though he was capable of playing as a sole striker. However, he was unable to show the consistency, physicality or technical quality needed to perform the role for a team with aims of challenging for the Premier League title.

It’s no surprise Arsenal have been strongly linked with the likes of Leicester City man Jamie Vardy and Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette this summer, per Sky Sports.

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If Walcott can find some form again there’s no reason he can’t nail down a spot on the right flank. Aaron Ramsey, Alex Iwobi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain currently look to be his main rivals for the spot, although the pace and goal threat Walcott offers can be a massive asset when channeled correctly.

However, pre-season performance levels have not been impressive from Walcott so far. Sports journalist Liam Canning reflected on Walcott’s career and how he has yet to live up to his potential:

On the international stage he hasn’t quite showed his best, either, with a lack of form for Arsenal meaning Walcott was left out of the England squad for the summer’s UEFA European Championship.

A disastrous showing at the tournament saw former boss Roy Hodgson sacked and Sam Allardyce appointed as his replacement. Walcott thinks it’s a positive move.

“His teams were always difficult to play against,” he said, per Lustig. “That is what you want going into an England team. You want England to be difficult to break down. I'm sure he is going to get results. At times, it is not all about pretty football.”

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To get back into the England side Walcott will need to perform, with a clutch of talented attacking midfielders available to the new boss. To do that, you wonder whether the self-styled winger may have to move clubs, especially if Arsenal strengthen their attacking options. Journalist Oli Price-Bates thinks he should be moved on:

"

I can't deal with fans who think we should continue to be patient with players like Walcott. 10 years and his career has gone nowhere.

— Oli Price-Bates (@OliPriceBates) August 2, 2016"

Perhaps this season will be the final chance for Walcott. Should he start the campaign well and shine on the right flank, Arsenal will be much better off as a result. 

But another campaign on the periphery of the starting XI and uncertainty surrounding his position would be a major blow for a player who has already witnessed his career grind to a halt over the past few seasons.