adminsign new deals with the Arsene Wenger’s squad last week, alongside Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey, Carl Jenkinson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
But Walcott, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has reportedly been unable to come to an agreement with Arsenal over a new deal and Liverpool and Manchester City are interested in the 23-year-old, who is keen to secure higher wages and more playing time in his preferred central striker role.
However, England midfielder Wilshere is hopefully that Walcott’s friendship with the club’s British players will persuade him to stay.
“Everybody at the club wants Theo to re-sign. I’m always winding him up, saying ‘c’mon Theo, sign’, Wilshere told the Daily Mail.
“But that is something he has got to sort out. It is up to him and the club to reach an agreement and I hope they do.
“Theo’s been great for us and he knows what he means to us and the fans. Five of us British boys have just signed so hopefully he can be the sixth and cap it off.
“We’re all great friends, the British boys. We all go out together, have meals together and we all sit together when we’re on the road.”
Wilshere hopes that the 24-year-old Walcott will be influenced by the lead shown by himself, Carl Jenkinson, Aaron Ramsey, Kieran Gibbs and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
He added: “I think he looked at that. We’re all great friends, the British boys, we all go out together, have meals together and sit together when we’re on the road, so hopefully he can follow us and sign.”
Wilshere’s return from a 16-month injury lay-off appears to have had recuperative effects on Arsenal.
They have won five of the eight Premier League matches he has appeared in, including the last three, their best run since March.
On Saturday at Wigan, to the delight of Arsene Wenger, he combined technical acumen with bravery.
Never better illustrated than during the first period when he timed a sliding challenge on Shaun Maloney to perfection, only to be cautioned by referee Jon Moss. — AFP.
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