Wenger expects Walcott to sign new contract

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said on Friday that he expects Theo Walcott to sign a new contract with the English Premier League club before the end of the January transfer window.

Arsenal will be looking to extend their fabulous home league record against Manchester City when the two sides meet at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The last time the 'Gunners' suffered defeat in such a situation was 37 years ago - in 1975.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger remains hopeful Theo Walcott will commit his long-term future to the club, but stressed he is not taking the England man's signature for granted.

Walcott's situation has been the subject of continued speculation, with negotiations between the club and player ongoing.

It is understood Arsenal are ready to make the 23-year-old forward one of the highest-paid players at the club with a five-year contract worth around 90-thousand pounds sterling each week - which would be boosted by lucrative add-ons.

Arsenal have been linked with a string of players including Barcelona forward David Villa, and have seen their attacking options hit by the African Nations Cup, as forward Gervinho is away with the Ivory Coast.

Wenger, though, maintained he is not about to go out and buy someone this month just for the sake of it.

As to concerns over ticket prices at the north London stadium, Wenger insisted all clubs want to keep ticket prices down, but argued that fans have to contribute to income through the turnstiles.

Earlier this week, City returned 912 unsold tickets to Arsenal, priced at 62 pounds sterling each, for Sunday's match.