Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hopes Theo Walcott will sign new deal at the Emirates

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger does not feel Theo Walcott's future will come down to a simple matter of money.

The 23-year-old will be out of contract in the summer, and has been in excellent goalscoring form for the Gunners after switching to his preferred central striker role and grabbing a hat-trick against Newcastle.

Walcott turned down one offer of a new deal in the summer and has so far failed to reach an agreement on new terms.

However, Wenger feels the continuing negotiations can see a positive conclusion to the saga.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's FA Cup Third Round tie at Swansea, Wenger said: "We are talking. Yes [I am encouraged by the talks].

"It is very difficult to be predictable in this kind of situation, but I always said that our desire is there to do it as quickly as possible. We are ready to do it."

Wenger added: "I only speak for our side, and my side is that we want him to stay here.

"Of course I don't want to speak much more about that situation because it can be misinterpreted and I don't think he is only interested by money.

"I don't believe that."