Next Game

Indonesia All Stars v Arsenal

Sunday, 14 July 2013, 20:30

Friendly Match

St James' Park, Newcastle

Last Game

Newcastle 0 - 1 Arsenal

Sunday, 19 May 2013, 16:00

Barclays Prem

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

I

m absolutely disgusted that I've been misquoted in saying that if a chance came up to join Arsenal I would be interested. What I meant to say is if Man United or Chelsea were interested......

gulliver
Agent cools Benteke exit talk

L

FC league positions and points from last 4 seasons - 7 (61), 8 (52), 6 (58), 7 (63). Werner calls it progress, I call it mid table stability.

kolev_lfc
Reds progress delights Werner

I

s there a PR agency covering Begovich, Odemwingie, Steven Fletcher and Grant Holt or something? Why would you offer a quote like that without having been announced by either club. #headsshoulderskneesandtoesgone

Havelange
Begovic hints at Liverpool move

Footer 365

Vincent Kompany insists he is staying at Manchester City

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has rejected rumours linking him with a move away from the club this summer.

Torres: Benitez made us better

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres is convinced Rafael Benitez is leaving behind a better team than the one he took over.

Pellegrini quiet on City link

Manuel Pellegrini, the favourite to succeed Roberto Mancini as manager of Manchester City, has refused to talk about a move to the Etihad.

Mail Box

Wayne Rooney Is Just An Average Athlete

That's the difference between him and someone like Cristiano Ronaldo - his body just isn't right. We have mails on him, Sparky, Brendan Rodgers and the Europa Lge...

Saving The Europa League And More...

Nice one UEFA, but not far enough. We have some ideas to make the Europa League better as well as more views on Wayne Rooney, Vermaelen in midfield and...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved