Wenger's Arsenal avert Walcott crisis

Arsene Wenger seems to have averted another crisis at Arsenal by convincing Theo Walcott to stay after holding crunch talks at the club's training grounds.

However, it has only been agreed that Walcott, 23, will not be sold during this transfer window, according to The Sun.

Arsenal had been braced for the prospect of selling Walcott before the transfer window closes on Friday.

It would have been a major blow for Arsenal following the departures of Robin van Persie and Alex Song.

Walcott did not back down over his contract demands but gave assurances he definitely wanted to stay with the Gunners after a heart-to-heart with Wenger.

The England star winger, who has been valued between £12 million and £15 million, has been linked with Liverpool this summer.

It remains to be seen how Arsenal and manager Wenger would react to a big-money bid in the next 48 hours remains to be seen with Manchester City also lurking.

The clear-the-air conversation saw Walcott reassure Wenger that he wants to commit himself to a new contract.

But he wants £100,000 a week while Arsenal have only offered £75,000.

However, they even discussed the possibility of the England international playing through the middle more for Arsenal rather than out wide, according to The Mirror.

But he could go in January if contract talks are not resolved in the next four months.

Walcott, who joined the Gunners from Southampton as a 16-year-old in 2006, started their home game with Sunderland on the opening day of the season but was left on the bench for Sunday's match at Stoke, eventually coming on after 72 minutes in what was their second straight goalless draw.
 

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