Theo Walcott Tells Top Arsenal Target to Reject Emirates Move

In partnership with

Just Arsenal News

·14 Agustus 2025

Theo Walcott Tells Top Arsenal Target to Reject Emirates Move

Between now and deadline day, Arsenal fans will be hoping the club can land Eberechi Eze.

Despite Mikel Arteta’s side being significantly strengthened by six high-quality signings, there is still a feeling that something is missing. Many believe the Gunners need another creative outlet, someone with the X-factor to help solve last season’s biggest weakness – breaking down low blocks.

Video OneFootball

Eze’s ability to receive, turn, combine and carry the ball comfortably inside compact defences is exactly what Arsenal have lacked. The club reportedly have a figure in mind to tempt Crystal Palace into selling their midfield maverick, but it is said to fall well short of the premium fee Palace would demand for their number 10.

While Arsenal look to raise funds to pursue the deal, their noisy neighbours Tottenham Hotspur have forced themselves into the conversation. But just as Arsenal were hoping to beat Spurs to the signing, Theo Walcott has thrown a spanner in the works.

Walcott’s advice to Eze

Rather than encouraging the 27-year-old to move to the Emirates, the ex-Arsenal fan favourite has urged him to stay put at Selhurst Park. Walcott argues that remaining with the Eagles gives Eze a better chance of making England’s World Cup squad.

“I think the big thing we have got to look at is the World Cup year,” Walcott told the It’s Called Soccer podcast.

“The good thing about Eze’s situation is that he can play every week at Palace. He has that maverick quality and accepts making and taking those risks.

“I think he’s a player who can take those risks at Palace,” Walcott added.

“I don’t think he’ll get that at Arsenal. But if he has a really good season with Palace, he’ll go to the World Cup, I’m pretty sure of that. Then what teams will look at him after that?

“If I were Eze, I’d probably stay put – just because it’s a World Cup year. If it wasn’t, I’d move on.”

(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Is Arsenal still the better place to be?

While Walcott’s logic makes sense, especially given where Eze might fit at Arsenal with top players already in his position, would he not still have a better shot at making the World Cup squad at the Emirates?

Eze has openly admitted he dreams of playing for Arsenal, and at 27, this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As good as he has been, he should be ready to fight for a spot in Mikel Arteta’s team now. Next year could be too late.

With Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri coming through, and the World Cup acting as a showcase for emerging talent, would Arsenal still want Eze next summer? As Ollie Watkins and Dusan Vlahovic have learned, when Arsenal come calling, you need to be ready to make the move. Miss the train, and it may not come again.

Do you agree with Theo Walcott?

Or is it all guns blazing for Eze to Arsenal for you?

Daniel O

__________________________________________________________________________________________ ADMIN COMMENT

So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….

You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.

CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…