Arsène Wenger: Theo Walcott’s Arsenal contract talks ongoing

Arsène Wenger has underlined his desire to tie down Theo Walcott to a new Arsenal contract amid reported interest from Juventus.

The England international’s current Gunners deal expires at the end of the season, with the uncertainty over his future leading to reports linking him with a potential move to the Serie A side.

But Wenger has once again made clear his intention to extend the 23-year-old’s stay at The Emirates and the Frenchman revealed contract talks are still ongoing.

“They are going on,” said Wenger of Walcott’s contract negotiations ahead of the Gunners’ Champions League game against Schalke on Wednesday. “But there is no news.”

“My determination has always been to extend his contract and that other clubs are interested or not the determination is the same.”

Walcott has been out of action since being forced off with a chest injury early on during England’s 5-0 win over San Marino earlier this month.

And Wenger revealed positive news over his fitness on Tuesday. “He had his first run today and is looking quite well so he should be back shortly,” Wenger added.

Arsenal v Schalke: Pre-match facts

• The teams met in the 2001-02 Champions League group stage, when the coaches were as they are today – Arsène Wenger and Huub Stevens. Arsenal won 3-2 at home but lost 3-1 in Gelsenkirchen.

• Arsenal are unbeaten in 16 Champions League home matches, play-offs included, since a 3-1 reverse by Manchester United in the 2008-09 semi-finals.

• Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Thomas Vermaelen were team-mates at Ajax from January 2006 to January 2009.

• Olivier Giroud has set up two goals in the first two matches, making him the group stage’s joint-highest assist provider.

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