England winger Theo Walcott has opened up fresh talks with Arsenal regarding a new contract at the Premier League club.
The 25 year old’s previous contract discussions were particularly lengthy as he kept Arsenal fans in suspense throughout protracted negotiations, eventually putting pen to paper on a three and a half year deal in January of last year.
However, with just 18 months remaining on his £100,000 a week deal come the end of this calendar year, the North London club are keen to prevent another contract saga and tie the attacker down for the foreseeable future.
The former Southampton youth has started just two matches in 2014 but, having now returned to the pitch, manager Arsene Wenger has his eye on the long-term.
"We are starting to sit down with him," the Frenchman said.
"I think he has one and a half years to go on his contract in December and it is never an easy job with him.”
Arsenal host Anderlecht this evening in Group D of the UEFA Champions League and can secure qualification to the knockout stages if both themselves and Borussia Dortmund (who entertain Galatasaray) grab three points tonight.
