Arsene Wenger has hinted that Theo Walcott could be set for a departure from Arsenal after admitting he is growing frustrated at the lack of progress in the winger’s contract negotiations.
Walcott is in the final year of his contract and there appears to be few developments after the 23-year-old rejected a new 4-year £75,000 a week deal.
If Arsenal fail to tie Walcott down to a new contract, the England international will, under the Bosman ruling, be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a club outside of England in January.
Arsenal may also decide to entertain offers for Walcott when the transfer window opens of business in the new year to avoid losing him on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Wenger has maintained confidence that Walcott will commit his future to Arsenal, but it seems that confidence is starting to wane.
The Gunners boss has even challenged the former Southampton youngster to make a decision on his future soon.
“He knows what I want and he has to make up his mind,” Wenger said.
“We have not made any progress. I have no news, I am frustrated.
“We are in negotiations for a long, long time. We have not been late in re-negotiations with him. We always try to extend contracts very early.”
Since arriving at Arsenal, Walcott has often frustrated the Gunners fans with his erratic form, but this season he has shown a higher level of consistency and is the club’s joint top-scorer with four goals, despite being in-and-out of the team.
If Walcott decides to leave Arsenal there will not be a shortage of clubs interested in his services, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Juventus all reportedly keen to sign the unsettled winger.
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