London – Arsene Wenger has questioned Theo Walcott’s commitment to Arsenal as the forward’s contract wrangle rumbles on.
Walcott is still to agree terms after turning down a five-year, £75,000-a-week deal in August.
He has told Wenger privately he wants to stay but insists he will not sign the proposed contract.
Likewise, Wenger wants Walcott, 23, to sign and will recommend to the Arsenal board that they increase their offer.
But the manager on Thursday urged Walcott to show he is 100 per cent behind the Arsenal cause by ending the uncertainty over his future.
Wenger said: “Ideally he has to commit. It is very important in our sport to be very committed to where you are and as long as you do not do that, you are not completely at ease. It is important for our squad as well.”
Meanwhile, Wenger insists the Premier League is still the strongest in Europe despite the prospect of just two clubs progressing to the Champions League knockout stages.
He said: “Spain and England are the best leagues. But for me England is the best because there’s something more here.
“It’s not only linked with what you see on the pitch but how you experience football.” – Daily Mail