Vermaelen wants ‘invaluable’ Walcott to sign new Arsenal deal

Thomas Vermaelen is keen to see Theo Walcott sign a contract extension with Arsenal amid intense speculation over the England international’s future.

Walcott, whose current deal expires in the summer, scored Arsenal’s fifth goal as the Gunners ran out 5-2 winners at Reading on Monday night.

Now, Gunners captain Vermaelen has added his voice to calls from Arsene Wenger and Jack Wilshere for the 23-year-old to commit his future to the Gunners.

“Of course we want him to stay but that is something that is going on between the player and the club,” Vermaelen said.

“I don’t know what is going on behind the scenes. We don’t talk about it. Of course, Theo has been invaluable for us when he played this year. He is dangerous for us and I hope he could stay this year.

“We know his qualities. He is quick and goes in behind defenders all the time.”

Arsenal boss Wenger said that the ball is in Walcott’s court and a deal would already have been done if it were up to the Frenchman.

“It is not my decision, it is Theo’s decision as well. If it is [only] my decision, it is quickly done,” said Wenger.

“Theo has been educated at Southampton and Arsenal, where he has become a top level player here.

“I hope that when he considers his future he will think this is the best place for him and sign for us.

“I will just say our desire and will is clear, and Theo knows that. Hopefully we can get to a happy end with it.”