By Sami Mokbel
PUBLISHED: 17:50 EST, 30 December 2012 | UPDATED: 17:50 EST, 30 December 2012
Arsenal want Theo Walcott's long-term future secured within the next fortnight.
Club officials are working to set up a second round of formal contract discussions with the player and his representatives in the next 14 days.
Arsenal are increasingly optimistic a deal can be reached. Sportsmail understands the 23-year-old's preference is to stay.
Main man: Theo Walcott was in exceptional form against Newcastle
But the original 75,000-per-week offer made on August 28 must be improved, while Walcott also wants assurances over his chances of playing as a centre forward on a regular basis.
The England star wants a package closer to 100,000 per week, but it is believed a deal of 85,000 or 90,000 would suit both parties.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will this week make their move to sign Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha.
The Gunners are set to increase their starting offer to beat Manchester United to the England player's signature.
Arsenal had originally planned to make an 8million opening bid for the 20-year-old starlet, who wants to leave Selhurst Park in January.
However, they are considering a more lucrative starting offer to ensure Zaha's arrival.
Deadline: Arsenal want Walcott's new deal sewn up within the next two weeks
Icing on the cake: Walcott scores his third and Arsenal's seventh
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dead wood arsenal,pathetic fans,walcott dont sign
- kamraps , kampala, Uganda, 31/12/2012 05:53
Frankly speaking, without trust and confident from WengerTheo won't be able to play like this and 85,000 or 90,000 per week should be good enough and 100,000 per week will be given by the club if he play up to next level. Nowadays, seems like players are more greedy then loyalty. Agreed with Anonymous. If Theo did leave, he might only have 1 year to be the regular and then become bench warmer like Na$ri and Clichy as well as Cesc, he is NOT the regular at Barca so do Song. Next year we might forget where is Song go. Anyway, Wenger give you the chance and give Wenger a Happy New Year persent by signing a new contract, please!
- Jesse Loks , Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 31/12/2012 05:20
Arsenal needs to think about adding some defensive depth as well. They flat out stink on the defensive side right now.
- Alex Delarge , Austin, United States, 31/12/2012 04:52
Keep this lad and push Podoloski more Forward. Suggestion from a Chelsea Fan
- NK , India, 31/12/2012 04:43
Shoulda used all that money/resources in renewing Ramsey's contract for Theo instead. Give him the money. Give him the position. Done.
- lekynson , Bladensburg, United States, 31/12/2012 04:42
Snap up Theo with a contract he cannot refuse and play him as CF. Bring on Pep as soon as he is available.Trophy drought never ending.Never ending rebuilding .Slick AW can move on to the Board or real estate! Happy New Year!!
- Prabu , Chennai, India, 31/12/2012 04:32
To anonymous, London: Well said, totally agree with you!
- Andre , Singapore, 31/12/2012 04:32
@abdel, london>>>The way you write as though Walcott has no clubs to go except at Arsenal and get playing time. Some players who joined Arsenal and now fans called them(Deadwood).
- denhen , singapore, 31/12/2012 03:45
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Cant believe how stupid is Arsenal board. Why let contracts run down and even make it possible to lose players for nothing or is it accuse to cash them. You never see Djourou or Ramsey contracts ending.
- tobyz , London, 31/12/2012 06:27
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