Arsenal have finally made a move to reopen contract negotiations with Theo Walcott.
But the England star will not be bullied into rushing a decision.
Boss Arsene Wenger wants Walcott’s contract sorted out before Christmas. The forward turned down an £80,000-a-week offer and the Gunners will see whether a compromise can be struck.
Walcott is unmoved by Arsenal’s belief they will sign Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace in January for £12million.
Despite Wenger’s warning and the fact his deal runs out at the end of the season, Walcott is not working to a deadline.
Liverpool will make a bid to sign him in January if his dispute has not been resolved.
Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are also keen and Walcott may keep his options open until the summer, when he will be a free agent.