"These things take time." - Theo Walcott talking about his long running contract saga.
Well, not really Theo. It's quite simple. You either want to sign, or you don't.
He has now been truly shown up and embarrassed by his Arsenal teammates.
An astounding five players, Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Aaron Ramsey, Kieran Gibbs and Carl Jenkinson all signed long-term deals at Arsenal today.
The news is excellent for Arsenal, who have now tied down a British core of their side to build their future around for the best part of the next decade.
All five are only going to get better, and their commitment should translate on the pitch.
The question now is for Walcott, whether he wants to be part of it. The ball is firmly in his court, and the attacker has to make a decision.
Do these things take time? Not if the desire is there to make it work.
Over to you Theo.
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
Dan Coombs
@hitcdancoombsGoogle+more stories from Dan Coombs
Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.
As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.
He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.
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