Theo Walcott signs deal to keep him at Arsenal until 2016

By JIM VAN WIJK
Published on 19/01/2013 02:05

ARSENAL have confirmed Theo Walcott has signed a contract extension with the Barclays Premier League club.

The England forward would have been a free agent at the end of the season and Arsenal have been in protracted negotiations to close out terms on a lucrative extension which would make Walcott among the highest paid players at the club with what is understood to be a three-and-half-year contract worth close to £100,000-a-week, and boosted by a lucrative signing-on fee.

Walcott joined Arsenal as a raw talent from Southampton seven years ago and yesterday’s announcement ends speculation he would follow former captain Robin van Persie out of Emirates Stadium in the summer.

Walcott was linked with moves to Liverpool and Manchester City, but maintains his first choice was always to remain with the Gunners. “I am very happy to have signed a new contract here at Arsenal. Thanks to everyone for their continued support, especially the manager, everyone at the club and, most importantly, the fans,” the England forward said on the club’s website. “I have made it clear from the start that I wanted to stay at Arsenal, so I am pleased we have agreed a deal.”