"Theo Walcott ready to sign new Arsenal deal" - Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that discussions with Theo Walcott over a new deal at Arsenal are going well and he expects the winger to sign by the end of the month.

The England international had been linked with a move away from the club with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, but in recent weeks has moved closer to extending his stay at the Emirates.

Walcott is set to become one of the highest-paid players at the club with a five-year contract worth around £90,000-a-week, boosted by lucrative add-ons.

Wenger said: 'We are on a good road with Theo. I was optimistic last week, but even more optimistic this week.

'Do I expect him to sign by the end of the month? Yes. Discussions are going smoothly.'

He added: 'Theo can have a preference maybe to play through the middle, but first of all he never made a condition of that to extend his contract, because certainly I would not accept it.

'Secondly he was always happier when he plays, whether it is on the flank or through the middle. That has no influence at all. Theo just wants to play and he is happy to play on the flank as well.'

'Walcott is a different animal now. His finishing has improved significantly and you can see a difference with the runs he makes.'