Arsenal are close to agreeing a new £110,000 per week contract with Theo Walcott, with a deal likely to be reached in the next two weeks. Walcott’s current contract was due to expire at the end of the coming season.
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Reports suggested Arsene Wenger feared another contract saga situation but the managers faith in Walcott for the FA Cup Final has helped negotiations. Walcott was trusted with a starting centre forward berth despite recently returning from a long term injury and his opening goal at Wembley sent the Gunners on their way.
26 year old Walcott is expected to sign a new four year contract worth £110,00 per week, a slight increase on his current deal but not as much as some outlets are reporting.
The new deal would see Walcott remain at the club for his ‘peak’ years and his contract ranks him as one of the clubs highest earners, giving the forward confidence that he is still central to Wenger’s first team plans.
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Whilst at first I was not too bothered whether or not Walcott signed a new contract, I now am happy it seems he is staying. He has grown up a lot in the 10 years at the club and losing him would be losing an experienced professional who contributes heavily to our goal tally. The last few games of the season also gave me confidence that perhaps he can make it as a centre forward.
It’s also nice to keep our best players away from rival clubs, and with one year remaining on his current contract, Walcott was in the scope of Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool.