admindiscussions with the player and his representatives in the next 14 days.
Arsenal are increasingly optimistic a deal can be reached. The 23-year-old’s preference is to stay.
But the original £75 000-per-week offer made on August 28 must be improved, while Walcott also wants assurances over his chances of playing as a centre forward on a regular basis.
The England star wants a package closer to £100 000 per week, but it is believed a deal of £85 000 or £90 000 would suit both parties.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will also challenge Walcott to sign a new five-year deal by telling him: I’ve kept my side of the bargain so keep yours.
Wenger is hoping that giving Walcott an extended run as a striker will be the key to a breakthrough in contract talks as both parties prepare to sit down together within the next fortnight.
Mirror Sport revealed on December 18 that Wenger had held peace talks with Walcott after his contract stand-off and immediately gave the England winger his wish to play up front.
Arsenal boss Wenger, chief executive Ivan Gazidis and transfer fixer Dick Law are anxious to now set up more negotiations and will try to persuade Walcott to sign.
Walcott is out of contract at the end of the season and has stalled on Arsenal’s £75 000-a-week offer which has alerted Chelsea and both Manchester United and City.
But Wenger has the power to increase the offer and Walcott’s incredible form — his hat-trick against Newcastle took him to 14 goals this season — has increased his bargaining power.
Walcott has always maintained that he wants to stay at Arsenal but this will be the most important contract of his career and his advisors are determined he gets his true worth.
Arsenal star Walcott, set to lead the line at Southampton today, admitted after his remarkable treble against Newcastle that playing up front is a key issue on deciding his future.
Walcott said: “I will just continue to play my football, talks are ongoing. I’ve answered this question on numerous times and I’m sure something will be arranged soon.
“I’ve always said I’m a striker and the manager is giving me the opportunity to play up front. I’m not saying I’ll play up front all the time, but it’s just nice to have a different option.
“Olivier (Giroud) came off the bench and showed great qualities, I switched to the right so it can work. We are scoring goals from every position and I believe I am a striker.”
Walcott insists that Arsenal’s run of four straight wins has been vital in proving they can finish in the top four after their indifferent start to the season.
“We don’t really take too much interest in what is said on the outside,” said Walcott.
“We know our qualities, we know where we should be this season and I think we’re starting to prove people wrong this season and start climbing that table a bit more.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal will this week make their move to sign Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha.
The Gunners are set to increase their starting offer to beat Manchester United to the England player’s signature. Arsenal had originally planned to make an £8million opening bid for the 20-year-old starlet, who wants to leave Selhurst Park in January. However, they are considering a more lucrative starting offer to ensure Zaha’s arrival.
Crystal Palace will, meanwhile, reject Manchester United’s opening offer of £8million for star winger Zaha. The 20-year-old is keen to move to the Premier League in January with United and Arsenal involved in a straight fight for his signature. — Mailonline.
Online Reporter