Walcott signs new deal

contract, rejected a five-year offer worth £75 000 a week in August.
But the uncertainty over his future is now set to come to an end, with a deal agreed in principle following talks between the club and their top scorer’s advisors on Thursday.

Manager Arsene Wenger said he hoped for a conclusion before tomorrow’s visit to Chelsea and, after a string of protracted transfer sagas involving his players, can finally celebrate a satisfying one.
Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas all left the club after months of speculation.

But Walcott has committed to the club that signed him from Southampton as a 16-year-old in 2006.
The Sun had earlier reported yesterday that Walcott has finally agreed a new contract at Arsenal.
The England ace (23) was initially expected to sign a five-year deal yesterday worth nearly £100 000 a week.

Boss Wenger confirmed: “I hope it will be signed before the weekend. There is a possibility. My optimism is at 99 per cent now.”

Wenger feared he had lost the frontman after a lengthy contract wrangle and feared he had lost another big name.

The Gunners boss has seen the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Robin van Persie and Alex Song leave in the last two summers alone.

Wenger admitted: “Yes I was scared at some stage, that he could leave because it is like that with the experience I have in negotiations.

“When things last too long, it is never a good sign.
“It took us some time to get where we want to get. It is still not finalised, but hopefully it will be done by this weekend.”

Wenger will now turn his attention to strengthening the squad in the January transfer window.
He confirmed Arsenal’s interest in Crystal Palace starlet Wilfried Zaha (20) but insisted they have not made a bid.

The Frenchman said: “We are looking at him but we have not made any bid for him.”
But Wenger ruled out a move for £30m-rated Napoli ace Edinson Cavani.

Arsenal travel to Chelsea tomorrow to face under-fire Blues boss Rafa Benitez. Wenger added: “I feel sympathy for every manager until the day I play against him. Then the sympathy goes and comes back after the game.

“We are all in the same position. We know we are in a fragile job and that the confidence is very important.”  — Sky Sports.