Wilshere urges Walcott to stay

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 17: Theo Walcott of Arsenal celebrates his goal during the Barclays Premier league match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on November 17, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images,)

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 17: Theo Walcott of Arsenal celebrates his goal during the Barclays Premier league match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on November 17, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images,)

Published Dec 24, 2012

Share

London – Jack Wilshere has urged close friend Theo Walcott to give Arsenal six of the best by signing his new deal.

Arsenal persuaded five of British football’s brightest talents, including midfielder Wilshere, to extend their contracts last week, but an impasse remains with Walcott.

“Everybody at the club wants Theo to re-sign. But that is something he has to sort out, it is up to him and the club if they can reach an agreement and I hope they do,’ said Wilshere, after Mikel Arteta’s penalty had given them a 1-0 win at Wigan.

“Theo’s been great for us. We just signed five British boys so hopefully he can be the sixth and cap it off.

“I’m always winding him up, saying, ‘C’mon Theo, sign’. It’s up to him and the club. Theo knows what he means to us and what he means to the fans.”

Wilshere hopes that the 24-year-old will be influenced by the lead shown by himself, Carl Jenkinson, Aaron Ramsey, Kieran Gibbs and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

He added: “I think he looked at that. We’re all great friends, the British boys, we all go out together, have meals together and sit together when we’re on the road, so hopefully he can follow us and sign.”

Wilshere’s return from a 16-month injury lay-off appears to have had recuperative effects on Arsenal.

They have won five of the eight Premier League matches he has appeared in, including the last three, their best run since March.

On Saturday at Wigan, to the delight of Arsene Wenger, he combined technical acumen with bravery.

“I like Wilshere,” said the manager. “After 25 minutes you look at him and he is dirty from top to bottom.

“Suddenly, there are a lot of good things to talk about. We have rebuilt the team and how far we go will be decided from now on.”

One player who will not be part of the revolution is long-term target Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who has extended his contract with Schalke for another two years. – Daily Mail

Related Topics: