Wenger unsure over Walcott contract with Liverpool interested
Arsene Wenger admits he is in the dark over Theo Walcott’s contract situation with Liverpool reportedly plotting a bid for the winger the Metro report.
The England international is entering the final year of his deal at the Emirates Stadium and could be about to follow Robin Van Persie and Alex Song out of the club this summer.
Brendan Rodgers is believed to be tracking him whilst Chelsea were linked with a move earlier in pre-season before switching their attentions to Wigan Athletic’s Victor Moses.
Walcott has spent the last six-years in North London since arriving from Southampton when he was 16-year-old and has gone on to become a permanent fixture in the Gunners’ starting eleven.
However it’s thought the 23-year-old is holding out for an offer of £100k per week from the club and Wenger admits they are still struggling to tie him down.
“We are still trying to extend his deal,” said Wenger.
“When a player doesn’t want to stay you either force him or you let him go.”
The Frenchman concedes Arsenal would struggle to match Walcotts wage demands in the current climate despite shifting two high earners in the shape of Van Persie and Song.
‘We live in the economic reality which other clubs do not,’ added Wenger.
“There are some things we cannot afford to do, it is as simple as that.
“How much do you want to pay, £250,000 a week? £300,000? We are here to make the players as rich as possible but also to respect our balance sheet.
“Honestly, I think it is a short-term problem. You cannot imagine the world will go on just splashing money out without any return.
“When you have lost the standard of living for normal people, and the football world always gets higher and higher, that cannot last because people will not accept it.”
