Arsenal push boat out to keep Walcott

Arsenal are ready to stretch their rigid pay structure to push through a new deal for Theo Walcott, which could be signed ahead of this weekend’s Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester City.

The Gunners are ready to make Walcott among the highest-paid players at the club with a five-year contract worth around £90,000 a week, which would be boosted by lucrative add-ons.

Manager Arsene Wenger spoke in length about the “socialist” pay structure within the Arsenal dressing room ahead of the FA Cup tie at Swansea, revealing there was a general consensus to keep pay disparity to a minimum, unlike many of their top-flight rivals.