Arsenal are extremely desperate to tie winger Theo Walcott on a long-term deal as soon as possible. The 23-year-old midfielder is out of contract at the end of next season, which will enable him to talk with other clubs in six months time. Arsenal are in a position where they could lose Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott at the same time. Chelsea have emerged as the potential club to take advantage of this predicament for Arsenal. Even though Theo Walcott has come under intense criticism from Arsenal fans for his lack of an end product, the season that just concluded has been one of his most productive.

Arsenal value the midfielder at around £ 20 million, which could be a major stable in block in the winger signing a new contract. It is thought that Theo Walcott, who is currently on wages of around £ 70,000 per week, will be looking at parity alongside the top earners like Robin van Persie. Arsenal decided to offer Robin van Persie a contract in the region of £ 130,000 per week, but he is sceptical to commit to Arsenal considering their lack of trophies in the last seven seasons. Walcott could be faced with the same dilemma when he is presented with a new contract.

“With Samir and Cesc you can say ‘okay those two are gone’, but behind you know that there is Jack Wilshere and Van Persie still at the club – but if Robin comes to leave, that means next year it may be Theo Walcott, then the next year is it going to be Wilshere? It is going to be difficult for Arsenal to keep the top players,” said the former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira, who is currently the football development executive at Manchester City.