Walcott in contract talks at Arsenal

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott is looking to open talks with the club over a new contract.

The England international, whose contract expires at the end of next season, has become a key member of the Gunners squad since joining as a 17-year-old from Southampton.

“I will listen to what Arsenal have to say,” he told Sky Sports.

“Hopefully we will sit down with the club soon and talk things over.”

Meanwhile, Walcott, 22, also believes the north Londoners’ sluggish start to the season, which included an 8-2 loss against Manchester United, is firmly behind them.

“The team morale at Arsenal is great – the best it’s ever been,” he said.

“To be honest, we have forgotten about the first few games. There is no point in dwelling on it.”

“All we can do now is look at what is coming up. And it is looking very positive at the moment. Everyone needs to be alive at what is going on during the game.”

The former Southampton man also expressed his delight at his side’s late Champions League win at Marseille in midweek.

“In the Champions League, you want to at least draw the away games, but we managed to sneak it in the end,” he said.

“We were very solid at the back and we need to do that more often – dig deep and win games 1-0. It was nice to see that in Marseille.”

“Now, hopefully, we can start climbing the Premier League.”