Arsenal boss provides Theo Walcott contract update ahead of Swansea trip

Thursday, January 3, 2013
9:59 AM

Transfer News: Arsene Wenger has reiterated his desire to keep Theo Walcott at the Emirates and says contract negotiations are ongoing with the England star.

The 23-year-old, who is Arsenal’s top scorer this season with 14 goals, has been linked with Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool as he enters the last six months of his deal in north London.

Wenger remains hopeful of reaching an agreement, however, and thinks tying Walcott to a new deal would be a big boost to the rest of his players.

“We want to keep him here,” said Wenger. “We are talking.”

“It is very difficult to be predictable in these kinds of situations but our desire is there to do it as quickly as possible and [we are] ready to do it.

He added: “I’m convinced it will have a positive effect on the rest of the team if we sign him.”