Wednesday 28 November 2012

Date with destiny? Walcott and Sagna aren't pictured in Arsenal's big 2013 ... - Mirror.co.uk

Theo Walcott and Bacary Sagna have both been left out of the club's new 2013 calendar - but manager Arsene Wenger claims their omission is NOT a signal Arsenal are about to sell the pair.

Winger Walcott, who's set to return to the Gunners' line-up at Everton on Wednesday, has hit deadlock in his negotiations with the club over a new deal to replace the one that expires in the summer.

While Sagna has 18 months left on his contract, it is looking increasingly likely that he could be sold at the end of the season.

Adding to the intrigue, neither man features on the club's new A3 calendar even though they are first team regulars - and Walcott in particular is one of the club's most marketable and popular players.

French full-back Sagna has been interesting Inter Milan and recently voiced his frustrations about Arsenal's methods, but Wenger insists negotiations for a new deal are ongoing.

Wenger, who also confirmed the club have started contract negotiations with Jack Wilshere, said: "We are in talks at the moment (with Sagna). We are hopeful. He had some big injury issues but, with him and Carl Jenkinson, you need two players and we want to keep them."

The decision not to include Walcott and Sagna in the calendar has been greeted with suspicion among fans.

Liverpool want to buy Walcott in January, while Chelsea and Manchester City are also lurking.

Walcott has been offered £75,000-a-week but has yet to commit to a new deal as he is currently enjoying a purple patch of form.

Arsenal insist that both players feature widely on other club products, including different calendars.

Earlier this season, the club sent out Junior Gunners packs with Robin van Persie on the front - after the former Arsenal captain had been sold to Manchester United.

It would have cost tens of thousands to pulp the existing packs and print new ones.

Meanwhile, Zenit Zt Petersburg want old boy Andrey Arshavin for a cut-price £2million.

Arsenal are prepared to sell the 31-year-old midfield misfit in January rather than losing him on a free when he's out of contract in the summer, but Zenit are pressing for a bargain.

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