ARSENAL STILL AT STALEMATE OVER THEO WALCOTT CONTRACT TALKS

[RoterTeufel]

ARSENAL STILL AT STALEMATE OVER THEO WALCOTT CONTRACT TALKS

ARSENAL and Theo Walcott remain at stalemate over his contract – despite the England star’s hat-trick at Reading.

Starsport can reveal no meaningful talks have been held about extending Walcott’s deal, which is up at the end of the season, for two months.

No discussions have been set for this month either. Walcott is frustrated with boss Arsene Wenger for refusing to play him as a central striker.

The Frenchman promised him a chance in the position in less high-profile games.

But Walcott was on the wing at Reading in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday, with flop Marouanne Chamakh preferred up front.

Walcott, 23, is Arsenal’s top scorer this season with seven, after his treble in the 7-5 extra-time win at the Madejski.

Yet Wenger has not started him in either the Premier League or Champions League since the first game of the season.

Walcott wants to stay but feels he deserves more than the £80,000 a week on offer. And he looks certain to be left out again at Manchester United on Saturday.

The England ace knows he can get £120,000 a week at Manchester City. And if his contract does run down, Walcott could leave for free next summer, earning a huge signing-on fee as well.

Asked if the hat-trick could lead to a better deal, Wenger said: “I will speak to my finance minister.”