Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed that he is scheduling contract negotiations with forward Theo Walcott.
The England international is entering into the final year of his existing deal after previous talks were said to have reached an impasse.
Walcott's reported reluctance to sign an extension is thought to be centered around the uncertainty over his role, with the winger said to be keen to operate as a striker.
The French manager has previously revealed that he would use him in his preferred striking role, and Wenger says that negotiations are back on the table.
"He has one more year left. I have spoken to him about this," he is quoted as saying by ESPN.
"He is sharp and prepared well. He is like every player - they look fit, close to full fitness. It's quite amazing how the players are back to a good body shape and a good [level] of fitness because they prepare well.
"Now football has changed - they come back after holidays and they don't start from zero. They have done their homework and he is one of them."
Walcott joined the North Londoners as a 16-year-old from Southampton in January 2006.
Shane Callaghan
