Theo Walcott should leave Arsenal for his own sake, says legend Ian Wright

  • Ian Wright believes that Theo Walcott should seek a move away from Arsenal
  • England international Walcott has been with the Gunners for more than 11 years
  • But the 28-year-old is no longer a key first-team player at the Emirates Stadium
  • Walcott has not started a single Premier League game for Arsenal this season 
  • He captained Arsenal to a 2-1 win over Norwich in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday
  • After the last-16 game, club legend Wright said: 'He should move on for himself' 

Theo Walcott should leave Arsenal for his own good, club legend Ian Wright claimed after Tuesday's 2-1 win over Norwich City in the Carabao Cup.

Walcott, once considered one of Arsenal's best attacking players, has made just three sub appearances in the Premier League for Arsene Wenger's side this season.

The 28-year-old has only scored in the Europa League and the Carabao Cup, netting three times in five matches.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright thinks Theo Walcott (above) should seek a move away from the club

Arsenal legend Ian Wright thinks Theo Walcott (above) should seek a move away from the club

Walcott captained Arsenal in the Carabao Cup but has yet to start a league game this season

Walcott captained Arsenal in the Carabao Cup but has yet to start a league game this season

Former striker Wright, who scored 185 Arsenal goals, said: 'He should move on for himself'

Former striker Wright, who scored 185 Arsenal goals, said: 'He should move on for himself'

The England international had been an integral part of Arsenal after joining from Southampton 11 years ago, winning the FA Cup three times.


However, his impact has faded recently and Wright believes it's time for the forward to switch teams and reignite his career.

'I think so, for (his own) sake,' Wright told Sky Sports when asked if Walcott should move on.

'I'm not sure where he can go now with Arsenal and he's only playing in the Carabao Cup and the Europa League.

'He'll want to finish on a high in respect of what he's doing, he's given Arsenal great service in the time he's been there and for me he should move on for himself.' 

Wright and 28-year-old Walcott are pals and played together at a Vauxhall Golf Day in 2012

Wright and 28-year-old Walcott are pals and played together at a Vauxhall Golf Day in 2012

Former Southampton youth Walcott (centre) made his first start for Arsenal in October 2006

Former Southampton youth Walcott (centre) made his first start for Arsenal in October 2006

Walcott has won the FA Cup three times with the Gunners - in 2014, 2015 and 2017

Walcott has won the FA Cup three times with the Gunners - in 2014, 2015 and 2017

Wright's fellow pundit and Derby County striker Darren Bent also backed the move saying Walcott would benefit from a fresh start.

'The freshness of a move somewhere else might be perfect for him,' Bent said. 'He's been there for a long, long time now and I'm not quite sure how much more he can improve while he's there.

'But you never know, sometimes you can go somewhere else with new surroundings and, all of a sudden, you can kick on again. Maybe that's what he needs.'

Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday when they host Swansea.

The Gunners beat the Welsh side twice last season, scoring seven goals in the process.

Two goals from sub Eddie Nketiah ensured Walcott's Arsenal beat Norwich 2-1 on Tuesday

Two goals from sub Eddie Nketiah ensured Walcott's Arsenal beat Norwich 2-1 on Tuesday

Walcott congratulated teenager Nketiah, who scored  15 seconds after coming off the bench

Walcott congratulated teenager Nketiah, who scored 15 seconds after coming off the bench

Jack Wilshere also played against Norwich and was seen conversing with Walcott on the pitch

Jack Wilshere also played against Norwich and was seen conversing with Walcott on the pitch