Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given Theo Walcott the next 48 hours to decide whether he wants to sign a new five-year contract worth £75,000 per week — or be sold.
Walcott, 23, could even be ditched before the close of the transfer window on Friday, with Manchester City and Liverpool asking to be kept informed. The north London club will demand a £12million fee.
On the move: Theo Walcott is locked in
negotiations with Arsenal about a new deal - but it looks as though the
winger will leave the Emirates
Sportsmail revealed on Friday how the forward’s agent held formal talks over a contract extension at the club’s London Colney HQ.
However, Walcott, who is in the final 12 months of his deal, is yet to sign a contract extension and, while negotiations are ongoing, it is looking increasingly unlikely that he will put pen to paper. It appeared he was on the brink of turning down the £20m contract offer.
In demand: Liverpool and Manchester City are observing developments
Fast-tracked: Serge Gnabry
Walcott was only on the bench for Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Stoke and it is understood that if he goes, academy prospect Serge Gnabry, 17, will be fast-tracked into the senior squad.
As it stands, Walcott could sign a pre-contract with a foreign club in January, then leave for nothing next summer. Meanwhile, Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has held meetings with chief scout Steve Rowley to target reinforcements.
The capture of a versatile defender and defensive midfielder are priorities.
Montpellier captain Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Swansea’s Angel Rangel are defensive options, with Yann M’Vila (Rennes) and Etienne Capoue (Toulouse) on the midfield list.
Meanwhile, Nicklas Bendtner is in talks over a £5m move to AC Milan.
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