Arsene Wenger confirms fresh contract talks with Theo Walcott

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding a new contract for Theo Walcott.

Reports yesterday claimed that the England international's representatives were keen to meet with the Gunners to sort out a new deal at the Emirates and Wenger has reiterated that the club want the 23-year-old to stay put.

"Our priority is to keep players at the club," the club's Twitter page quotes Wenger as saying. "We want to keep him here. I'm convinced it will have a positive effect on the rest of the team if we sign him."

Walcott is free to speak to other clubs about a potential move in the winter window as his current contract expires at the end of the season.