Arsene Wenger admits he is 'frustrated' as Theo Walcott refuses to back down over contract talks

England winger out of contract at end of season

James Olley
Friday 07 December 2012 12:09 GMT
Comments
Theo Walcott takes instructions from Arsene Wenger
Theo Walcott takes instructions from Arsene Wenger (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Arsene Wenger today admitted he has become frustrated over Theo Walcott’s refusal to sign a new deal with Arsenal but insists Bacary Sagna will commit his future to the club.

Talks have stalled with the Gunners refusing to increase their offer to ­Walcott of a four-year deal worth £75,000 a week.

The England international is seeking assurances he will be used more often as a striker, although it is understood he is also attempting to secure an improved financial package worth closer to £100,000 a week.

Wenger last month ruled out any prospect of Arsenal cashing in on the 23-year-old next month to avoid losing him for nothing when his contract expires in the summer, but urged ­Walcott to end the uncertainty by sorting out his future.

He said: “With Theo, I have no news. I personally am not involved in that directly. Indirectly of course yes, but at the moment we have not made any progress.

“I am frustrated, honestly. Between the player and me it is all clear, he knows what he wants and he has to make up his mind.

“We have been in negotiations with Theo for a long, long time, and we have not been late in our renegotiations with him. We always try to extend the contracts very early.”

The club are also in negotiations with Sagna, although the situation is not as urgent given the 29-year-old has 18 months left on his deal.

Sagna is seeking a two-year extension with the club currently only prepared to offer an additional 12 months, prompting a stand-off, with Inter Milan among a number of clubs monitoring the situation.

But Wenger said: “I do not understand these speculations. He has one and a half years of his contract to go, and we are in negotiations with him to extend the contract which I am very positive about.

“So I am quite amazed by these statements because it is completely opposite of the feelings we have with the player, and with the negotiations we have about his extension. Do I expect him to stay? Yes.”

Arsenal sit 10th in the Premier League after one win from their least six matches and host West Brom tomorrow. Emirates Stadium has been a difficult environment for the Gunners of late with some supporters voicing their frustration at the team’s performances.

Arsenal have won just three of their seven home League games this season and Wenger said: “We lack a little bit of confidence — when you don’t win that happens. At home I feel there is a little bit a lack of freedom to play. That is always our strength — we are a creative team who want to go forward. It is important that we have that.

“There’s one thing I don’t question and that’s the attitude and spirit of this team. I am mad about the fact we did not win against Swansea but I don’t question the attitude or the spirit or the desire to do well of this team. But, and I can say this all day, what is important is that we win the game when we play, and that’s what we want to do.

“Let’s not go overboard. We have 23 games to play, we are in all the competitions, where many clubs would love to [be], so it is down to us to make the season right and to turn the season around on our side. I’m confident we will and I believe we have the quality to do it.

“The championship doesn’t stop after 15 games. You count the points at the end of the season.”

Lukas Podolski (hamstring), Sagna (foot) and Walcott (calf) are all unavailable and join Abou Diaby and Laurent Koscielny, who have thigh strains, on the sidelines with Andre Santos (abdomen) also out.

Tomorrow’s match marks the club’s annual charity fundraising day for the Arsenal Foundation, which works to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people. Wenger and the entire first-team squad will donate a day’s wages to the cause.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in