The Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said that he is still looking at the possibility of coming to a conclusion with regard to the contract talks of the star midfielder Theo Walcott. The 23-year-old England international is out of contract at the end of the season. He previously stated that he would be making a decision on his future based on the decision taken by the striker Robin van Persie, who has since left the club for Manchester United on a £ 24 million deal. It remains to be seen if Theo Walcott will now be interested in signing a new contract with the club.
Due to the age of the player, Theo Walcott will be able to leave on a completely free transfer because he will be turning 24 years of age in March. The club was looking at various alternatives to bring in before the end of the transfer window. One possible transfer target who has emerged in recent days has been the Sevilla midfielder Jesus Navas. The player could cost around £ 12 million and will be a like for like replacement for Theo Walcott. Yet, the Arsenal manager Wenger has said that he wants Theo Walcott to sign a new deal with the club.
“We are still trying to extend his (Walcott’s) deal. When a player doesn’t want to stay, you either force him or you let him go,” said the Frenchman in a recent interview given to the British tabloid The Sun. Arsenal have already lost two high-profile players in the form of Alex Song and Robin van Persie in the summer transfer window. Even though they have brought in the likes of Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski, they need to retain the likes of Theo Walcott in order to provide the club with some continuity according to Arsene Wenger.