Arsene Wenger has revealed that Arsenal have opened contract negotiations with Theo Walcott.
Walcott's current deal is due to expire at the end of the 2015-16 season and speculation has already begun surrounding his future.
The England international, who has struggled for game time at Arsenal of late, was forced to deny reports earlier this week of a disagreement with Wenger and that an impasse had been reached over a new contract.
However, the Gunners boss has confirmed that the Premier League club are looking to tie down Walcott -- linked with a move to Manchester City and Liverpool -- to a fresh deal.
"We have started to negotiate with Theo to extend his deal," Wenger told beIN Sports.
Walcott has made 13 appearances for Arsenal since returning after nine months out with a knee injury in November, although only five of those have been from the start.