Arsene Wenger ‘convinced’ Theo Walcott will stay at Arsenal

Arsene Wenger is convinced Theo Walcott will commit his future to Arsenal by signing a new contract with the Gunners.

There has been relentless speculation over the England international’s future in recent months, with his current deal set to expire next summer.

Liverpool and Serie A champions Juventus are rumoured to be among the clubs ready to make a move for the 23-year-old should he fail to agree terms with the north Londoners.

But Gunners boss Wenger is adamant the former Southampton winger will pen a new contract with the Emirates Stadium outfit.

“My gut feeling is that he belongs to this club and that I hope he will do it and sign for us,” Wenger told a news conference on Thursday. “I always am convinced that he will stay.”

Walcott is said to be holding out for an offer of a deal worth £100,000-a-week, with Arsenal understood to be unwilling to fork out that much.

When asked if Walcott would be worth such high wages, Wenger replied: “At the end of the day, can you pay what the player wants? And does it fit with your wage structure?

“I have always fought that the players make money, so therefore I am happy when the players make big money, but it has to be made possible for the club to pay it.

“I believe the board will follow my recommendation, if it is possible.”

Arsenal on Thursday announced that Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Aaron Ramsey and Carl Jenkinson had all penned new long-term contracts at the club.