According to the Daily Mail, Theo Walcott will be the next player to snub a contract at the Emirates after Robin Van Persie confirmed yesterday he would not be renewing his deal that runs out next summer. Walcott’s contract similarly is set to expire next summer and the future of Van Persie was said to be key as to whether he would commit his future to the club.

Italian Serie A champions Juventus are said to have the most interest in purchasing Walcott but there is growing admiration for the Euro 2012 winger at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea having won the Champions League last season have been named the Premier league favourites to sign Walcott as a Roman Abramovich continues to build a younger team under new manager Roberto Di Matteo.

Arsenal’s recent poor record of winning trophies has always been the main criticism of the star players who have left and even though The Gunners have invested in a couple of players this season, they now seem resigned to losing arguably their two star players.

Arsenal now need to find a suitable replacement for Van Persie and losing Walcott will just add to the difficulties that Arsene Wenger faces in the season ahead.

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