The Theo Walcott conundrum: What is the forward's role in the current Arsenal team?

Walcott hasn’t been a regular in Arsenal’s squad this season

Theo Walcott has become something of a forgotten man at Arsenal, what with Arsenal playing some mind boggling football and turning defenses into ballet dancers, you can't say that the Gunners have been missing the speedster.

Unlike previous seasons, Walcott is no longer a vital cog in the Arsenal machine, what with Alexis, Welbeck and Chamberlain in Wenger's ranks, the Frenchman has been spoilt for choice. Welbeck's arrival in the summer was the first indication that Wenger was planning for life without Theo.

Welbeck has been deployed largely on the wings for the Gunners this season, and only very rarely has he been played through the middle.

Why can't Theo make the starting XI?

Granted that Welbeck may not offer the same speed as Theo does, but he more than makes up for it with his physical demeanor, his heading prowess and his surprisingly good link up play. He offers more to the team than Walcott does and has also developed a good understanding with the other first team regulars.

Walcott has definitely fallen behind in the pecking order at Arsenal, and this was made evident when Ramsey was started on the right against Liverpool; a baffling decision considering that Ramsey is completely inept on the wings. But the Welshman has revelled in his new role, and looks well settled with the midfield. Ramsey looks set for a long run on the wing.

Theo isn't the most flexible of footballers; unlike a Cazorla or Rooney he can't be played anywhere on the field. Very rarely does he drift towards the center of the park,and take part in the build up play or help out in defense. Interchanging of positions in the middle of the park has been one of the characteristics of the Arsenal midfield, with Ozil, Cazorla and Ramsey all trading positions throughout the game and waltzing through defences.

Wenger won't risk hampering this trio, and bring in a player, whose style of play – to put it bluntly – is very 'linear' and could disrupt this Arsenal juggernaut. But to be fair to Theo, he hasn't been bad since his return from injury, getting on the score sheet thrice, in only 5 starts in 13 appearances. It's just that his teammates have been better.

Arsene Wenger seems unconcerned about the rumours surrounding the forward’s future

Whats's the situation on the contract?

Wenger seems quite upbeat about the whole situation, stating that talks are on with Walcott's agents and he expects the negotiations to carry on for a while. There have also been rumours of a reported falling out between player and manager, although both parties have strongly denied such claims.

It can be said that the Wenger-Walcott relationship hasn't always been merry and will be put through the wringer this summer when some tough decisions will have to be made. Will it make sense to keep a player who is demanding a salary north of 90,000 but is peripheral to the team's plans, and is struggling to make it to the starting XI?

With only one year on his contract left, Arsenal can’t risk losing Walcott for free next year. Unlike last time, the contract discussions with Theo will have to be made quickly.

Is Sterling the replacement?

Talks of a Raheem Sterling’s move to Arsenal are gathering fuel, and in the process has sent ripples of excitement across the Arsenal community, It can't be denied that the wiry Englishman, will give Arsenal an extra dimension and only make us stronger, but another attacker isn't the Gunners's most immediate requirement, and Sterling might be gratuitous for Arsenal's future plans.

For now, it seems that Walcott will be stuck to the bench for a while, as it seems unlikely Wenger will want to make any big changes to his team, especially in the business part of the season. The summer could result in yet another Arsenal star leaving the Emirates, but this time, not too many Gunners might be cut up about it.