Arsenal & Walcott Begin Contract Renewal Talks

Arsenal have opened talks with Theo Walcott about contract extension.

The England international returned to action last weekend after nearly ten months on the sidelines with a knee injury. The 25-year-old’s current deal expires in 2016.

“We are starting to sit down with him,” manager Arsene Wenger said. “I think he has one and a half years to go on his contract in December and it is never and easy job with him, you know.”

The forward came on for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after 80 minutes of the 3-0 win over Burnley at the Emirates Stadium last Saturday- his first appearance since suffering a cruciate knee injury in an FA Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur on January 4.

“That appearance from Theo Walcott gives him the confidence to play again,” added Wenger after full-time whistle on Saturday. “I think he will soon be back to his best level.”

Waalcott joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2006 and has scored 45 goals in 195 league matches.