Walcott talks test Wenger´s patience

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he is growing frustrated over Theo Walcott’s ongoing contract dispute.

Walcott, 23, is out of contract at the end of the season and has reportedly refused to sign a new deal following lengthy negotiations.

The England international is out of Saturday’s clash against West Bromwich Albion due to injury, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City shaping as potential suitors should Walcott choose to move on.

“With Theo, I have no news,” Wenger said.

“I personally am not directly involved in that but of course I am indirectly.

“At the moment we have not made any progress.

“Between the player and myself it is all clear, he knows what I want and he has to make up his mind.

“We have been in negotiations for a long, long time and we have not been late in our renegotiations with him.

“We always try to extend players contracts very early.”

Arsenal are 10th on the English Premier League table, 15 points behind leaders Manchester United as they try to turn around their inconsistent campaign at home to West Brom.

“It is a very important game for us and a very important period as well but the best way to deal with that is to focus on defending and attacking well and focus on your game,” Wenger said.

“Nothing changes no matter how big the game is, it is always the same and you focus on playing well.

“I believe they are a solid team and they were already last year.

“You face a challenge in every single Premier League game today.”