Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has urged Theo Walcott to sign a new contract and give the Gunners a lift as they bid to end their eight year trophy drought.
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Walcott, 23, is Arsenal's top scorer but his contract expires in the summer and he is free to speak to other clubs.
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'' I'm convinced it will be a positive effect on the rest of the team if we sign him '' said Wenger.
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The Frenchman also confirmed that centre-backs Sebastien Squillaci and Johan Djourou could leave the club.
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When asked if he was encouraged by the progress in Walcott's contract situation, Wenger replied '' Yes. We are talking. We want to keep him here. Our Priority is to keep players at the club ''.
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'' It is very difficult to be predictable in these situations but our desire is there to do it as quickly as possible and we are ready to do it ''.