Theo Walcott Slams Reports of Arsenal Contract Bust-Up Amid Liverpool Rumours

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has denied claims he and the Gunners are at loggerheads over a new contract.

The pacey Englishman commented on Twitter:

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Speculation has linked Walcott with a move to Liverpool in recent times. Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail suggests he is looking to "significantly" increase his wages at Arsenal, something the north London side are allegedly reluctant to accept.

Nick Sutton of BBC Radio 4 tweeted the Mirror's previous headline on such a story:

Walcott has suffered a myriad injury problems since inking his last deal during the 2012-13 campaign. He has rarely delivered the prolific goal return Arsenal fans will have hoped for, and perhaps expected, but it seems he remains committed to the club's cause.

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Even so, Arsene Wenger will want more from the former Southampton man. Walcott has scored twice in eight Premier League appearances this campaign, five of which have come from the bench, per WhoScored.com. His inability to maintain a run of quality and fitness threatens to be the defining combination of his career.

At 26 years old, Walcott should be hitting his peak. He has the capacity to be devastating—few can match his outright pace—but his end product still isn't what it could be. A stint in his preferred striking role before signing his current deal suggested this may be his most profitable position, but Wenger quickly pushed him over to the flank again.

Arsenal continue to add world-class stars to their squad. The arrival of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in the last two summers has stepped on Walcott's toes somewhat, particularly as they bring nuanced, unique qualities to the side.

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Ozil is a craftsman with the ball at his feet, someone who can roam from the flank before spotting a tight gap to play the ball through. Sanchez's industrious nature and 13-goal debut Premier League season have made him an instant favourite, an undroppable leader when fit.

Considering Olivier Giroud's excellent turn of form and Danny Welbeck's willingness to muck in wherever he's deployed, Walcott may find it hard to make an impression in the future.

B/R UK's James McNicholas believes Walcott doesn't feature in the Gunners' best XI:

As reported by BBC Sport, Wenger previously indicated tentative talks have begun over an extension to the player's tenure. He wants Walcott to remain at the Emirates Stadium:

"

We have started very early with him. He is very quick on the pitch, but off the pitch not always. Walcott was difficult to convince (in 2013) and that is why it took us much time. 

I always wanted to keep him and I still want to keep him now. I want him to stay and be a regular player and fight for his place, but no matter where you go if it is a big club you have to compete for your place.

"

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Walcott's tweets certainly relieve pressure around such a situation and give Arsenal leeway when trying to get him to sign a new deal.

As noted in Walcott's comments, he needs to focus on finding 100 percent fitness before the end of the season. A handful of excellent showings could set him up nicely for pre-season and provide a greater argument to barter with when contract negotiations ramp up.

Wenger has a habit of constantly paying for players who cannot escape injury or quality inconsistencies—Abou Diaby being the main culprit—but he must either cash in on Walcott or provide him with the opportunity to shine.

Recent acquisitions suggest this will be difficult, particularly if Walcott continues flitting around the potential he so obviously possesses.