• Premier League

Walcott hopeful over new Arsenal deal

ESPN staff
September 24, 2012
Theo Walcott is happy at Arsenal

Theo Walcott has insisted he wants to stay at Arsenal, and stated that the delay over a new contract has not been down to money but "football reasons".

Walcott, 23, is in the final year of his contract and Arsene Wenger has suggested he could be offloaded in January if the situation is not resolved.

However, the forward has stressed that he does not want to leave the club and reiterated that he still aims to become a "club legend" like Thierry Henry.

"It's a slow process," Walcott said. "My last contract took over six months to happen. Hopefully it can be sorted out.

"I've never said I wanted to go, I've always wanted to stay. I want to be an Arsenal legend. Thierry joined the club when he was 22 and I want to become an Arsenal legend like him, playing up front as well, which is a big factor for me. I've played on the right wing and had the opportunity to play up front a bit more so I think it's about time.

"That speculation on the money side of it has never been me. That's not me. I'm not the sort of person who's influenced by money. I always make my decisions based on football and only football. Hopefully something can be sorted out. I'll just wait for the club to get back to us now and go from there.

"It's one of those things that happens in the game. If it comes to it, if the club had to sell me, I'd be disappointed but, like I said, hopefully something can be sorted."

Walcott was speaking to publicise the Mars Just Play initiative

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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