How to solve a problem like Walcott?

There’s a question Arsene Wenger must be asking himself every morning.

As he enters the final 12 months of his Arsenal contract, Theo Walcott’s future at the Emirates looks in doubt. In six years at the Emirates, he hasn’t really developed into the player we once thought he would, so what should Wenger do?

Sure, there’s the odd flash of brilliance; his hat-trick for England in Croatia, his second half display against Tottenham last season and his game-changing appearance against Sweden this summer. But has he shown enough for Arsenal to keep him? Former Arsenal player Adrian Clarke thinks so.

The former-Southampton winger adds an unknown quantity to the Arsenal side, says Clarke. His unpredictability is a secret weapon Wenger needs, no one else in his side can offer that.

Wenger faces a choice: sell him now or risk losing him for free next summer, or offer him a lucrative new contract. What do you think? Should Walcott, who also gets a mention in our best Premier League wide players feature, stay put, or should he seek a new start in pastures new?

Elsewhere, the Life’s a Pitch panel discuss Team GB’s chances at the Olympics under the guidance of Stuart Pearce. Adrian Clarke, for one, is not at all happy with Pearce’s squad selection.

Mike Calvin runs the rule over Tony Pulis’ Stoke City side and thinks that, despite their relative success in the Premier League so far, now is the time to change their style of football.

We’ve also got all the latest gossip from the transfer rumour mill and more posts from our ace Fanzoners.

Expert pundit videos

“I’m baffled by Stuart Pearce’s Olympic squad”

With Team GB taking on Brazil in a pre-London 2012 friendly, the Life’s a Pitch panel doubt if Stuart Pearce’s side has what it takes to win a medal.
London calling >

Who are the Premier League’s best wide midfielders?

Who have been the Premier League’s best wide midfielders over the past 12 months? The Life’s a Pitch team get thinking.
Out on the wing >

“Getting Rodgers is a sign Liverpool have been left behind”

Brendan Rodgers is making all the right noises at Liverpool this summer, but the Life’s a Pitch panel thinks he’s got a lot of hard work ahead of him.
Long, hard summer >

Arsenal want Doumbia, Ziegler to Everton, Joselu to West Ham?

The Life’s a Pitch panel casts its eye over the latest transfer rumours, giving them a mark out of 10 for probability.
Transfer talk >

Lively opinion blogs

Man Utd’s forgotten man Berbatov would be perfect for Milan

Dimitar Berbatov was once the star of Sir Alex Ferguson‘s team. Now he’s the forgotten man, The Football Ramble’s Luke Moore tells us where he should go next.
Fallen star >

Arsenal would be stark raving mad to sell Theo Walcott

Theo Walcott is an underrated player at Arsenal and selling him would be foolish, according to football writer and former Gunner Adrian Clarke.
Transfer madness >

Why first impressions can often be misleading

Adam Bate explains why a footballer’s first games for his new club are often a terrible indicator as to how successful he will be there.
False starts >

Adapt or die: Pulis must change tactics for Stoke to survive

Tony Pulis has got to change Stoke’s style of play if he wants to improve on last season, says Mike Calvin.
Time for a change >

Competition

Win a signed photo of Wayne Rooney’s overhead kick against Man City!

Enter now >

Visit Life’s A Pitch

The football website for big interviews, expert pundits and blogs from the UK’s top writers.

Visit Life’s A Pitch >