The Standard are reporting today that Theo Walcott is close to signing a new deal with Arsenal, a sentiment that TalkSport also hold.

Walcott dropped his wage demands to 90k a week, and Arsenal were perfectly willing to meet this price, especially after some of his recent performances at centre-forward, a move that has improved Walcott's willingness to extend.

Is it true?

This has been reported several times by other papers, such as the Mirror. The Standard are London-based and may have their ear closer to the ground on matters such as these.

We know that Arsenal have offered an improved deal, and that new talks have been scheduled and occurred with positive effect. There have of course been false alarms before, but the movement on and off the pitch seems to have helped.

What does this mean?

It likely means that Wilfried Zaha won't be joining the club in January, though another forward may come in, perhaps Adrian Lopez.

It also means that the internal bleeding of players by Arsenal has been stemmed, and most of the "big" players are under contractual lock and key, at least for the next three years. Which is nice.

The next step is building on a settled squad, but that's for another article. Though not a different month.

We also have to hope Walcott hasn't just been playing for a contract, and doesn't do an Adebayor-esque complete loss of interest. That's the worst thing that can happen, he's crucial at times despite his inconsistency.

He also needs to realise he'll still play right-wing at times. Giroud is a more complete forward that he is, and they have a great understanding. Other than that, we can smile a bit, maybe have a celebratory coffee.

Only a small one, mind. This is Theo Walcott we're talking about. He's got no football brain, he'll never make it.

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