The end of the 2014/2015 season is one Theo Walcott will remember and cherish.
Why? Theo sent a strong message out to Arsenal fans, his colleagues and Arséne Wenger not to write him off as a key player and regular starter in the Arsenal side, which is something he had to, especially if he is to force Arsenal into complying with his wage demands if he signs a new contract.
The last fixture of the Premier League was an example of Walcott being dangerous in this current side, and his goal in the FA Cup final proved he can turn up and play well at his preferred centre forward role in a high-stakes game.
Without a doubt, Walcott left Arsenal fans and Wenger thinking next season Theo will better than ever. Once again proving himself in pre-season by scoring a brilliant goal - Everton in the Barclays Asia Trophy, he timed his run to perfection as Santi Cazorla intelligently finding him with the pass.
Competition
However, Walcott wasn’t the only wing player to impress. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain was very impressive with his dribbling and desire to drive at players and force his way into the box.
With Alexis Sanchez set to miss the beginning of the season and Wenger already suggesting that Oxlade Chamberlain can fill in his shoes and make an impact, Walcott will definitely need to make sure he starts his season exactly how he finished it, in great form in order to avoid being outshone and possibly replaced with the return of Alexis.
Whether or not Arsenal sign a new centre forward, Theo will still need to convince Wenger that he can play as a lone striker and deliver in games against tougher teams than West Brom or Aston Villa, with no disrespect to them.
In his right wing position, Theo will still face some competition, with Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere being able to operate there, Danny Welbeck looking to get a good amount of playing time and Oxlade Chamberlain being a natural right winger.
Contract problems
Rather strangely, Walcott is still yet to sign a new contract at Arsenal, with reports saying he wants a pay rise. With the England international entering his “Golden years”, an emphatic start to the season may give Wenger no choice but to tie him down for another couple of years.
Whether playing as a striker or not, everyone knows Theo Walcott is a goal scorer. In spite of that, one can’t help but think, what if Arsenal do sign a world class or proven striker such as Karim Benzema or Robert Lewandowski? Such a signing would absolutely nullify any chance of Walcott playing in the number nine role, so would he happily sign a contract knowing he’ll only feature as a right winger?
It could be suggested that this is one of the reasons why contract talks seem to have stalled, with Walcott wanting assurances of playing time in a favoured role.
Resuming the goalscoring form he had at the end of last season could finally persuade Wenger to convert him into a centre forward and not sign a striker. Whether or not that would benefit the club as a whole, we’d have to wait and see.
His own desires
Something to remember is that Arsenal’s front three always rotate to try and cause defenders problems, so in game Theo may find himself central with the player himself recently saying : "I like it anywhere. I enjoy playing for this club. It’s well-documented where I want to play but there’s a lot of competition in that front line.”
Even if Wenger decides not to play Walcott as a centre forward, the England winger must start this season with a bang, in order to try and tie down a new contract, and fend off competition for a starting place.