There is so much to admire about the way Arsenal go about their business – on and off the field.
A magnificent stadium – paid for. Some of the most talented players in the Premier League – no question. And in Arsene Wenger they have a principled, gifted manager with a philosophy of attractive football that is immensely pleasing on the eye.
But when it comes to Theo Walcott , there appears to be a strange policy when it comes to contract negotiations.
Without question, Walcott is a gifted player. He has speed, can score his share of goals and there is no doubt that he was missed by England during their abortive World Cup campaign.
But just as in the 2012-13 season, Arsenal are leaving it late to agree a new deal with the 26-year-old.
It was in January of 2013 that Walcott finally reached agreement that kept him at the club for three years.
And that ended a whole series of questions about Walcott and whether he would re-sign. Wenger was growing tired of questions about his player and it took on soap opera proportions.
Now there is a danger of a repeat. Walcott is under contract until June next year. And as yet there is no news of him staying longer.
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In Arsenal's defence, it could well be that the club were observing whether Walcott had fully recovered from a serious knee injury suffered in January last year that kept him out for the best part of a season – the second half of the last campaign and the first half of the current one.
But on New Year's Day, he was back on the bench at Southampton in his comeback and he has since proved his fitness.
Still no news of contract talks – and the last scenario a manager wants is for a key player to go into next season in the last year of his deal.
And Arsenal would do well not to under-estimate Walcott. He comes over an easy-going, mild-mannered individual. But that disguises the steely determination of the player.
If the overtures are not forthcoming, Walcott will not go begging. He will bide his time and, who knows, may opt – as his right – to see out his contract and get a free transfer in June next year.
There will be no shortage of takers should Arsenal decide to cash in on their asset.
Walcott loves Arsenal. In an ideal world, he will sit down, reach an agreement and play his part at the Emirates for the next four or five years.
But he also knows his own mind. He will not sign if the offer is not right.
Walcott has proved he is fit and ready. Now Arsenal need to move as quick off the pitch as Walcott moves when he is on it. The likes of Liverpool and Manchester City are watching with interest.