Why did Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta really hire pickpockets? Ex-Gunners star Theo Walcott reveals true motivation behind infamous stunt

Over the summer, Arteta reportedly took an unexpected step by enlisting the help of professional pickpockets during a team dinner. The goal was not only to surprise his players but also to instill a heightened sense of awareness within the squad.

Walcott, who has experienced Arteta's methods firsthand, explained the rationale behind this move in an interview with Mail Sport. "Well, it gets you lot talking, doesn't it?" Walcott remarked, acknowledging the buzz that Arteta's tactics generate both inside and outside the club. "It gets us distracted from the actual football side of things and it gets us talking about something completely different and out of the ordinary.

"That's what Mikel does. He gets people to think in a different way. So now people always going to be alert in that dressing room. That's the message he sent. That was just a pure sort of exercise, and it worked, but now you go into everyday work and life alert."

Walcott also recounted a pivotal moment from their time as teammates at Arsenal under the legendary Arsene Wenger. The incident, which occurred during a period when the team was struggling to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, left a lasting impression on Walcott and convinced him that Arteta was destined to become a manager.

As Wenger awaited the players' arrival for training, Arteta took the bold step of locking the entire team in the dressing room. He then delivered a powerful speech, confronting his teammates with some harsh truths about their performance and attitude. "He didn't allow us to go outside," Walcott recalled. "He literally pulled the whole team and said a few home truths, and after that sort of conversation, I knew he was going to be a manager. Not just that, we made the top four."

As the new Premier League season unfolds, Arsenal's prospects of finally dethroning Manchester City have been a topic of much discussion. The Gunners came agonizingly close to claiming the title in the past two campaigns, but many believe this could be the year they go all the way. Walcott is among those who are confident in Arsenal's chances, having witnessed their preparations up close during the preseason.

"I was with them in preseason," added Walcott. "I've seen how structured they are as a unit and, mentally, the way Mikel has hammered his team. I feel like it's going to be third time lucky. I feel like they want it more and they are ready. I just feel like they're more equipped as a structure. They've learned a lot. They have got a few more experienced players that know the hurt and I just feel like this year could well be their year."

Arsenal’s ruthless opening victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers has only fueled the belief that they are serious contenders for the Premier League title. The team’s dominant performance in that match was a testament to the work that Arteta has put into shaping a squad capable of challenging for top honours. They will next take the pitch against Aston Villa on Saturday.