Jack Wilshere keen to see Theo Walcott to sign new Arsenal deal

Jack Wilshere is hopeful Theo Walcott will sign a new contract at Arsenal in the coming months, with speculation rife over the England international’s future.

The 23-year-old Walcott netted Arsenal’s fifth goal as the Gunners moved up into fifth place in the Premier League table with a 5-2 win at Reading on Monday night.

Walcott, whose current deal expires in the summer, insists talks are ongoing and expects a resolution soon as he continues to be linked with a move away from north London.

And Wilshere, who is close to agreeing a five-year extension to his own deal, admits he would be thrilled to see his England team-mate pen a new contract at The Emirates.

“I’ve been working [on convincing Walcott to pen a new deal] all year!” Wilshere joked on Sky Sports, before adding: “It’s between Theo, his representatives and the boss.

“He showed today that he can play up front and hopefully we can sign him up and he can play there in the future.”

Walcott added: “Talks are ongoing. It’s going to be a slow process like I’ve said before in recent weeks. It takes a long time. Jack’s [contract negotiations] will probably take a long time as well but I’m sure something will happen soon.”