Wenger: Walcott deal close

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Theo Walcott is poised to end the uncertainty regarding his future by signing a new contract.

Last Updated: 18/01/13 at 10:08 Post Comment

Theo Walcott: Close to signing a contract extension at Arsenal

Theo Walcott: Close to signing a contract extension at Arsenal

Discussions regarding a new deal have dragged on for some time, sparking speculation that Walcott was readying himself for an exit from The Emirates.

With the England winger set to become a free agent at the end of the season, the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United were said to be closely monitoring his situation.

Arsenal have, however, remained optimistic throughout regarding their chances of putting fresh terms in place.

It has taken longer than both sides would have liked for a compromise to be reached, but it would appear as though Walcott is set to put pen to paper on a lucrative new deal.

That is the indication Wenger has been given and he will continue to put all of his efforts into convincing Walcott to commit his future to Arsenal before dipping into the January transfer market.

He said after Wednesday's 1-0 victory over Swansea in an FA Cup third round replay: "Let's first try and finish the deal and see what we can do from there.

"I hope it will be soon. Very, very soon now."

Scared

Wenger reiterated his stance during a press conference on Thursday, saying: "I was scared at some stage, yes, that he could leave because it is like that with the experience I have in negotiations.

"When things last too long, it is never a good sign. In this case, it took us some time to get where we want to get.

"It is still not finalised, but hopefully it will be done by this weekend. There is a possibility. My optimism is at 99 per cent now."

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

Y

et another example of Cameron's broken Britton.

varicoseregent
Britton prepares for surgery

I

ve heard his older brother might be joining as part of the deal too... Roland.

wezmond
West Ham sign defender Rat

I

think it's time anyway. That hat must smell awful by now. Time for a change and a rinse

levi
Pulis' Stoke exit confirmed

Footer 365

Ferran Soriano says it's time for new era at Manchester City after Roberto Mancini sacked

Chief executive Ferran Soriano says Manchester City are 'just looking for the next cycle' after sacking Roberto Mancini.

TP disappointed to leave Stoke

Tony Pulis is disappointed to have left Stoke but understands the board's wish to take the club in a different direction.

Former Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov to take up coaching role at the club

Aston Villa have confirmed that Stiliyan Petrov will take up a coaching role with the club.

Mail Box

Mails: Jol Out And Other Demands...

You might notice that we haven't included a single mail about teams in pubs, because most of them were terrible. Instead we have a disgruntled Fulham fan and Scouse maths...

A Night In The Pub With Aston Villa...

Villa are the latest team to get the pub treatment, while the morning mailbox also includes missives on Tony Pulis leaving Stoke and Chelsea's future under Jose Mourinho...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved