England star Theo Walcott commits long term future to north London outfit

Theo Walcott has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal.

The 23-year-old England international joined the Gunners from Southampton in 2006 and has scored 56 goals in 244 games.

Walcott is the Londoners’ top scorer so far this season with 14 goals and he expressed delight at putting pen to paper.

Walcott told arsenal.com: "I am very happy to have signed a new contract at Arsenal.

“Thanks to everyone for their continued support, especially the manager, everyone at the club and most importantly the fans.

“I have made it clear from the start that I wanted to stay at Arsenal so I am pleased we have agreed a deal that everyone is happy with.

“What’s important now is for the team to realise its potential and win trophies.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger told the club’s official website: “We are all delighted that Theo has signed a new contract.

“He joined us as a 16-year-old and since then has developed very well to become an extremely important player for both Arsenal and England.

"Theo is a strong player and also a great person, and the combination of his ability and pace always make him such a valuable asset either from the flanks or down the middle.

“Theo’s contract extension now gives us a strong nucleus of ambitious young players who have committed to the club and want to be successful with us as a group.”