Theo Walcott: Arsenal winger shows Arsene Wenger what he'd miss with first-half hat-trick against West Brom

Wenger set a deadline for contract talks with Arsenal man

Tom Sheen
Sunday 24 May 2015 16:24 BST
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(Getty Images)

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After Arsene Wenger set Theo Walcott a deadline to sit down and discuss a new deal, the winger responded in the best possible way - showing Wenger just what he'd miss if he were to be sold

Walcott is understood to be hesitant over signing a new deal at the Emirates because Wenger can no longer guarantee him a spot in the first XI.

With Walcott battling Alexis Sanchez, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mesut Ozil for a place in the side, Arsenal have plenty of options and Walcott had not started since Arsenal beat West Ham on 14 March.

In fact, Walcott started just his third game of the season on the final day and has not completed 90 minutes this season.

Wenger is beginning to show some signs of frustration with the lack of progress in talks and revealed that a deadline has been set for Walcott to agree a new deal – but stopped short of naming the time and date of the cut-off.

“There might be a date,” Wenger said on Friday ahead of the game against West Brom. “(But) I do not see the need to inform you about the hour and the day when we will be meeting his representative.”

But Walcott responded perfectly at the Emirates, starting through the middle rather than in his usual position on the wing, Walcott scored a first-half treble to show Wenger what he could be missing if he is sold.

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