Theo Walcott will sign new Arsenal deal very soon, says Arsene Wenger after forward's winning goal in Emirates CupĀ 

  • Arsene Wenger hoping to finalise new deal for Theo Walcott
  • Arsenal manager says Walcott is getting closer and closer to new deal
  • Walcott scored in a 1-0 win over Wolfsburg in Emirates Cup on Sunday
  • Wenger feels he doesn't need new striker and that Walcott will score goals

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Theo Walcott is close to signing a new contract with Arsenal.

The forward's contract expires at the end of next season meaning he can start negotiating a free transfer move to a foreign club from January.

However, talks over a new four-year deal - which would include a rise on his current Ā£90,000-per-week deal - are understood to be progressing well, with both parties very confident of a successful outcome.Ā 


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Theo Walcott is on the verge of signing a new deal at Arsenal, according to his manager

Theo Walcott is on the verge of signing a new deal at Arsenal, according to his manager

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said that Walcott is closer and closer to finalising a new deal

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said that Walcott is closer and closer to finalising a new deal

Sportsmail revealed in June that Arsenal were close to striking an agreement with Walcott following positive talks.

And Wenger admitted that a deal is now imminent, saying: 'He's not signed the contract yet, but we are getting closer and closer and hopefully we can finalise it very soon.'

The news provides the Gunners with a major boost ahead of the new season.

Walcott scored the only goal against Wolfsburg yesterday as Arsenal secured their second pre-season trophy of the summer by winning the Emirates Cup.

The England international started the game as a centre forward - a position he is keen to fill on a regular basis.Ā 

Walcott scored the only goal as Arsenal beat Wolfsburg in the Emirates Cup on Sunday

Walcott scored the only goal as Arsenal beat Wolfsburg in the Emirates Cup on Sunday

Walcott slotted home early in the second half against Wolfsburg as Arsenal won the Emirates Cup

Walcott slotted home early in the second half against Wolfsburg as Arsenal won the Emirates Cup

When asked what Walcott's best position was, he answered: 'It's a good question because it's a

But with Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck also vying for the same role, Walcott could find his chances in the position limited.

And Wenger says the forward's versatility will help his claims for a regular starting spot.

'What's his best position? Thatā€™s a good question. Itā€™s a complicated answer,' said Wenger.

'In all the three positions, if you ask him where he loves to play, even he is not certain ā€“ it depends a little bit on the periods.

'Sometimes he prefers it on the left because when he makes a good run he can score goals as well.

'I think in his idea, he would love to play with a strong guy next to him in the middle. But we have so many offensive players it is difficult to combine all this together.

'It was another goal for Theo today and Iā€™m not surprised by that because I played him through the middle.

'Iā€™ve always said heā€™s a goalscorer because he has the movement, he has the timing of the finishing, the speed, he has an eye for taking his chances at the right moment.Ā 

Walcott celebrates his goal, which proved to be the winner against the German side on Sunday

Walcott celebrates his goal, which proved to be the winner against the German side on Sunday

Wenger believes that Walcott has the ability to score goals and that he doesn't need another striker

Wenger believes that Walcott has the ability to score goals and that he doesn't need another striker

'When he gets in these positions he can finish well. Heā€™s not what you call the aggressive striker. Heā€™s the mobile striker.

'The striker who lives from the speed and quality of his movement. But he turns up in the right space in the box.

'You canā€™t give that to players. He understands well, he anticipates quickly and linked with his speed of execution it makes him always very dangerous.'

Meanwhile, Wenger says teenager Jeff Reine-Adelaide will not be loaned out next season.

The 17-year-old has impressed during pre-season following his arrival from Lens this summer, and set up Walcott's winner yesterday.

'Yes, definitely (he is staying). He is 17 and he looks very promising but he needs to work with us for a year,' said Wenger.

'He needs to be in and out, play with the Under 21s and to develop. There's fantastic potential there and he will stay with us.

'I honestly don't know how much he will play. We had a good opportunity to watch him today. In some situations he, of course, has the game of a 17-year-old.

'But on the other hand he has shown great potential as well. And physically he is very advanced for a 17-year-old and I'm sure he has learned a lot from these two days.'Ā 

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