Walcott issues trophy target

Theo Walcott signed a new long-term contract at Arsenal and immediately set his sights on helping the side win some long-awaited silverware

The Gunners confirmed on Friday afternoon that the England international has finally put pen-to-paper on a reported £100,000-a-week, three-and-a-half year deal to tie him to the Emirates Stadium until summer 2016.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had always hoped that he could persuade Walcott to stay put with the north Londoners, despite the respective high-profile departures of big-name stars such as Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas since summer 2011.

And, following lengthy negotiations, Walcott becomes the sixth British player to sign a contract extension with the Gunners since last month as Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey and Carl Jenkinson have all agreed to stay put.

Walcott joined the Gunners from Southampton as a 16-year-old back in 2006 - a year after Arsenal won their last trophy in the 2005 FA Cup final - and he has now set his sights on finally ending the long wait for more silverware.

He told the Gunners' website: "I am very happy to have signed a new contract here 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."

Wenger added: "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."

Arsenal are currently 2.20 to seal a top-four Premier League finish this season, while they can be backed at 9.00 to win the FA Cup and 34.00 for the Champions League.

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