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29 March 2024

Redknapp finds Arsenal's Van Persie replacement

Theo Walcott will remain a Gunner at least until January. (FILE)

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By Staff

Arsene Wenger need not look beyond his current Arsenal squad to find a replacement for Robin van Persie.

Or to put it another way, England winger Theo Walcott should step up to the challenge of filling the golden boots of the Dutch striker.

One of Walcott's earliest mentors Harry Redknapp believes "nowhere will he get a better chance to fulfil that potential than where he is right now".

"I gave Theo his debut as a kid at Southampton. I’ve watched him develop at Arsenal under Arsene Wenger but there is so much more to come from him," he wrote in a column in The Sun.

Walcott was a top target of Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers before the transfer speculation fizzled out after the player held showdown talks with Wenger.

But Walcott has only stalled for time and is not backing down on contract negotiations while Juventus and Inter Milan are reportedly waiting to swoop on him during the January transfer window.

However, Redknapp has advised the youngster "to sort out the little differences in his contract with the club and then sign it."

"Agreeing to stay put at Arsenal for the time being could turn out to be the best decision he will make for a long time. He can become a big, big fish at Arsenal. There are so many opportunities open to him now, especially with the departure of Robin van Persie," said the former Spurs manager.

"Rather than lament the sale of the captain as another nail in Arsenal’s coffin, Theo should seize the chance to replace him," he added.

Redknapp recalled how Theo ran ragged against Leed during his first game under his charge playing as a centre-forward.

"Central defenders simply cannot handle his pace, his quick turns and lightning reactions, the way full-backs are perhaps better equipped to do so. He is scary when he runs straight down a centre-half’s throat. Of course he can perform out wide too," he gushed.

"I am not telling you anything Arsene doesn’t know about the varied range of talents Theo possesses. But even though Arsenal have brought in hotshots Lukas Podolski and Oliver Giroud, Theo could still be a great candidate to replace RVP," said Redknapp giving a ringing endorsement of Walcott's worth and Arsenal's pedigree.