Wenger gives Walcott update as Chelsea, Liverpool & Man City hover

Theo Walcott is congratulated by team-mate Santi Cazorla after scoring against Tottenham. Photo credit: Adam Davy/EMPICS

Tuesday, November 20, 2012
1:57 PM

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reiterated his desire to keep hold of Theo Walcott, even if the England forward does not put pen to paper on a new contract.

Walcott, 23, has just eight months to run on his current deal and as such could leave at the end of the season on a free transfer.

A host of Premier League and foreign clubs are reportedly keen on Walcott, but Wenger has ruled out selling the forward during the January transfer window should the impasse over negotiations not be resolved.

The Gunners boss said: “There’s a risk, yes, but that we are ready to take.

“A successful season is more important for us than this risk that is only a financial risk, apart from the losing the player.

“If we sell him, we lose him anyway.

“I believe that we started the season with this squad and we want to finish the season with this squad.

“What is important is what we achieve together for the season - to do that I just think that Theo is a big part in that.”