Theo Walcott: I want to be an Arsenal legend like Thierry Henry

Theo Walcott has stressed his desire to sign a new Arsenal contract and write his name into Gunners folklore.

The 23-year-old is in the final year of his current deal, with negotiations over a new contract still ongoing and leading to inevitable speculation linking him with a move away from Emirates Stadium.

But the England international insists he wants to stay in north London and is keen to follow in the footsteps of his idol Thierry Henry.

“It’s a slow process,” Walcott told ESPN, speaking to publicise the FA’s Just Play initiative. “My last contract took over six months to happen. Hopefully it can be sorted out.

“I’ve never said I wanted to go, I’ve always wanted to stay. I want to be an Arsenal legend. Thierry joined the club when he was 22 and I want to become an Arsenal legend like him, playing up front as well, which is a big factor for me. I’ve played on the right wing and had the opportunity to play up front a bit more so I think it’s about time.

“That speculation on the money side of it has never been me. That’s not me. I’m not the sort of person who’s influenced by money.

“I always make my decisions based on football and only football. Hopefully something can be sorted out. I’ll just wait for the club to get back to us now and go from there.

“It’s one of those things that happens in the game. If it comes to it, if the club had to sell me, I’d be disappointed but, like I said, hopefully something can be sorted.”