re: Arsenal 2014/15 Season Long Thread

Theo could be very difficult to keep as far as wage demands go. When he signed his extension a few years ago, the circumstances at the club were very different than they are now. At that point, the club had to do everything they could to stop the star player exodus, so they made him one of the highest paid players at the club at that time.

This contract is completely different as he is not one of the best players on the team anymore. It could be argued that he isn't even a starter if everyone on the team is healthy.

He is also in direct competition with the Ox, Gnabry and even Welbeck to an extent as far as wings with similar skill sets. While Theo is probably the best finisher of that group and might make the most dangerous runs, he is behind at least one if not all of them in defensive contribution, passing, positioning, etc. Therefore, the club will have to make a decision as far as who they want to keep, as keeping theo may block the Ox, Gnabry and/or Welbeck. If he doesn't block them and he gets blocked by one or all of them, then we have another disgruntled player who will want more play time than he is afforded.

I really enjoy watching Theo play, and I think he brings an explosiveness to the team that just isn't there when he's out of the lineup, but I would only take him at the right wage. I'm certainly not paying him a ton of money to stay, and I doubt the club would, either. He's no longer a player that the club MUST keep. Wouldn't be surprised at all if he gets sold in the summer.