By Sami Mokbel

PUBLISHED: 17:42 EST, 7 December 2012 | UPDATED: 17:42 EST, 7 December 2012

Arsene Wenger will plead with Arsenal not to sell Theo Walcott in January as it emerged discussions over a new contract have come to a halt.

Publicly, the Frenchman insists talks with Walcott and his advisers over fresh terms are ongoing.

Eyes on the future: Arsene Wenger is frustrated by the on-going negotiations with his star man

Eyes on the future: Arsene Wenger is frustrated by the on-going negotiations with his star man

But Sportsmail understands no formal discussions between the two parties have taken place since August 28, when Walcott turned down a five-year 75,000-per-week deal.

And with just three weeks to go until the transfer window reopens, there are currently no plans in place for further discussions.

Therefore, it is looking increasingly likely that Walcott will go into January with just six months left on his contract.

The 23-year-old could sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club from January 1 or join a Premier League side on a free transfer at the end of the season.

The Gunners will look to sell Walcott, whose preference is to stay at the club, in January if a deal is not agreed to avoid him leaving for nothing. But Wenger would prefer Walcott to stay until at least the summer and will make his point to the Arsenal hierarchy.

However, club chiefs are highly likely to press ahead with plans to recoup as much money as possible for Walcott next month.

Wenger made similar overtures to the Gunners board during the Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie sagas — yet both were sold as they entered the final 12 months of their contracts.

Speaking yesterday, Wenger said: 'I am frustrated, honestly. If you ask me will we sell Theo in January, no. I have always been hopeful he will sign.'

Liverpool want to sign Walcott in January, while Manchester City and Chelsea will offer the  former Southampton forward lucrative free transfers in the summer.

Should I stay or go now: Theo Walcott is at loggerheads with Arsenal over his new deal

Should I stay or go now: Theo Walcott is at loggerheads with Arsenal over his new deal


The comments below have not been moderated.

Forget this story, Theo will be sold period. With the board already dreaming and planning to share the money, only his signing will stop this greedy board members from selling him. Wenger, impose yourself on this board as Alex does to Man U board.

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I am sick and tired of all the players belly-aching about their situation at Arsenal. If these guys showed up every night and gave 100% to their club and the fans, then we wouldn't be having all the problems that we do. This shirt IS the one you want to wear in England and they should be busting their butts to win every game but I just don't see it happening out there on the pitch..Hopefully we'll start a new winning streak tomorrow against West Brom.

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When A.Wenger has to plead for Walcott's stay, it means he is not the main one making the final decision as the fans were made to think. Previously during Dein's era yes but now it seems the Americans are in charge. Chairman Hillwood has left the Arsenal legacy into the wrong hands it seems. These American owner and his executives are ruining football for Arsenal. They are only interested in making profits from their investments. Let the English run Arsenal! At least they have the passion and love for football!

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ahhh todays Arsenal / Walcott exclusive.... hold on it reads like the excusive from yesterday.... and the day before..... and the day before..... and the day before....

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Your comments:Too many people trying to blame the board but if Wenger doesn't agree to it, he should speak up or resign. He doesn't therefore he is JUST AS GUILTY for the state of Arsenal affairs. I am not the greatest Walcott fan but the Arsenal story is now so sad, that Walcott is actually one of the better players....How far we have sunk!

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Arsenal should just draw a line in the sand and say you complete negotiations by X date or we put you up for sale

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Theo , it is better you go for other clubs that has good aspirations and quench for winning titles,silverwares and spent inteligently for top players then keep harping over your contract for so long because of $$$$ from this stingy club. The club are stuck in her undoing management policy and out dated way of playing the stale Arsenal way of football. Theo and Sagna,ply your trade and ambition somewhere else that is more appreciative and have great winning mentality like RVP. Play smart. TQ

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Needs a move, he's going nowhere at the Library and a fresh start just might allow him to progress. Can't see a top side buying him he's just not good enough, however a second tier club might think he's worth the risk. Arsene has failed to get the best from Theo (and most of the current squad) a move is Theo's best option, still young enough to improve but it won't happen with the "accountants''.

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Theo was bought as a striker, his last contract was signed on the basis that he would be a striker, he was lied to. Theo should be played as a striker. I was furious with the board when they got rid of Song, I will be furious with the board if they force out Theo & Sagna. #GazidisOut #KroenkeOut

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elsof..do you have a job??If yes how much do you make??Would you stay loyal to your job for all your life even if someone else gave you double the wages at some other company/job? I am guessing you would rather let your children be illiterate and avoid a better lifestyle just to be loyal to your job..Right?? And loyal to a company where your managers and lawyers get raises and 350k bonuses every year while the workers are told there's a wage structure and we believe in a socialist system. Moreover your company has not even got the best company to work for or best stock price for the last 7 years. I am sure you would stay at your company/job out of LOYALTY !!

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