Arsenal ended their Premier League campaign in fine style last Sunday with an impressive 4-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion to secure a third-placed finish.

With their automatic qualification for next season’s Champions League confirmed, attention now turns to this weekend’s FA Cup final against Aston Villa as the Gunners look to lift the famous trophy for the second year running.

And one man who may well have played himself into contention for a start in Wembley’s end of season showpiece is England star Theo Walcott.

The 26-year-old has endured a frustrating campaign due to injury as well as a lack of first-team football, but looked back to his best as he struck a hat-trick in their win over the Baggies; highlighting just how important he can be to the team.

There’s been plenty of speculation regarding the future of Walcott in recent weeks, and the forward has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool as he enters the final year of his contract.

But while Arsene Wenger looks to continue strengthening his side in a bid to challenge for the title next season, securing the long-term future of the former Southampton star has to be one of his priorities.

A combination of groin and knee injuries have limited Walcott to less than 25 appearances in the league over the past two seasons, but with 75 goals during his time at Arsenal; he is a player than when fit can prove a more than useful member of the squad that when called upon can be relied on to find the net.

And although he’s made no secret of the fact he wants to be used as an out-an-out striker, having been deployed out wide for much of his career at the Emirates that marks as a fairly impressive return.

But despite his preference of position, it’s the lack of game time in recent months that is certainly the main issue surrounding Walcott’s new contract and something he will need reassurances about before committing his future to the club.

Sunday was his first start since March 14, and entering the prime of his career he needs to be playing regularly in order to fulfil his potential.

It’s much easier said than done given the level of quality within the Arsenal squad, but his third hat-trick for the North Londoners has shown what a big loss he could be if Wenger can’t guarantee him this privilege.

With Raheem Sterling looking likely to leave Liverpool, should Walcott decide to leave the Gunners he is sure to be given a more pivotal role in their team, and could easily become an important part of the side, scoring on a regular basis.

But aiding a potential top four opponent next season is not something that Arsenal will be keen to do, and one way or another they have to incorporate Walcott in the side on a more regular basis.

Proven Premier League goalscorers can be hard to come by, particularly English ones, and his flexibility to play anywhere along the forward line as well as midfield make him a valuable asset to Arsenal.

10 goals in his last nine league starts for the club certainly proves his worth, and with Arsenal set to compete for trophies on four fronts once again next season, he’s a player they can’t afford to let go.

Wenger’s decision to start him in the FA Cup final could be a risk, but may well be a huge influence on his impending contract talks and is something the Frenchman must consider in order to ensure Walcott remains at Arsenal.

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