Arsenal have held talks with winger Theo Walcott in an attempt to stop a repeat of their summer saga with Cesc Fabregas, The Telegraph reports.
The England international is out of contract next year along with captain Robin van Persie and Arsenal are keen to hold on to their stars. Van Persie has refused to negotiate until the summer, but Arsenal are looking to deal with Walcott early to influence the Dutchman’s decision. Informal meetings have taken place between Walcott’s representatives and Arsenal executives, but no formal offer has been made by the Gunners.
Walcott’s camp has not made any demands and the basic structure of the deal is expected to give the Arsenal forward a slight raise from his current deal. Both sides are open to a new deal and Walcott talks are expected to resume following the January transfer window. Chelsea are keen on the 22 year old and made an enquiry last summer. Walcott turned down the chance of more money at Stamford Bridge when he first joined Arsenal in 2006.
On Wednesday, the Arsenal forward praised the team ethic of the club and has made it clear that he will speak with Arsene Wenger and the club to sort out a new deal. Walcott said: ‘The atmosphere in the dressing room is fantastic – the best it’s probably been for a long time. We are a bit more of a team, we work harder when we haven’t got the ball’.
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