by Nia Griffiths

Theo Walcott has given another strong indication that he could be staying at Arsenal, although he’s now playing the ‘waiting game’ when it comes to a new contract.

Speaking recently, the forward implied that the contract was in the hands of his agent and that he just wants to enjoy his football at the moment. The tone was very casual and he doesn’t seem at all worried, or as if he’s looking for a move away from the club.

This, combined with the tapping of the cannon on his shirt when he scored against Everton in a pre-season friendly, makes it appear that the 26-year-old will still be an Arsenal player next season.

“My agent has talked to the club,” he said. “I enjoy playing for this club, so I am just letting them crack on with things and I’ll continue playing football.”

He continued, “We’ll just play the waiting game and see what happens but I’m sure it won’t be long. This squad, for me, is one of the best I’ve been involved in. I want to be part of that.”

It appears that the England international knows what he wants, has briefed his agent and has left the whole ordeal in his hands.

“[The contract is] not in my thought process at all,” he admitted. “You don’t want to dwell on it, you want to play well and, if it happens, it happens. I won’t let that delay the way I’m going to be playing this season. I can’t let that affect me, I want to do well for this club.”

On his personal development in terms of football, he seems positive, saying, “It’s my first pre-season for two years now, so I want to work hard and get fit. It’s a really exciting year for myself personally and I think this team can go very far.”

Adding, “I’m always going to be judged on goals. I’ve been very happy with my goal record when given the opportunity, that is all I can do.”

The topic of Walcott’s contract seems to be an ongoing issue. When he finally signed a new deal in January 2013 after months and months of negotiations, I was a little more nervous. We didn’t have the squad we have now and the forward also recognises this.

After these latest quotes, I honestly don’t see him leaving at all.