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Theo Walcott

LONDON. – Theo Walcott has signed a new four-year contract to commit his future to Arsenal. Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla (30) has also signed a new deal, extending his terms for another two years. England winger Walcott (26) has put pen to paper on a deal worth around £140 000-a-week. That puts him in line with the club’s top earners like Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.

It is a huge boost for Arsenal on the eve of the season and highlights Arsene Wenger’s ambition for the forthcoming season.

Wenger has managed to persuade one of his biggest stars to stay with a huge bumper deal which puts the England star in the top pay league.

Walcott has already been told he will be used as a central forward from now on, having starred in that role in the FA Cup final victory in May.

He suffered a frustrating year out with injury but has shown he is back to his best and has quickly been rewarded.

Even though there were doubts about whether he would stay, Walcott has quickly committed himself to prove his loyalty.

His last deal dragged on and became a saga, this one has been done quickly to highlight how much he wants to stay and win trophies.

Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla has also extended his contract in north London, snubbing reported interest from Atletico Madrid.

Arsene Wenger said: “We’re delighted to have extended the contracts of Santi and Theo.

“Both are top quality players who are hugely important and influential to our squad.

“As well as their huge contributions on the pitch, they both have a great deal of experience and are very popular off the pitch.

“We’re very pleased with them both signing contract extensions, as it provides our squad with further stability of quality.

“Both are top quality players who are hugely important and influential to our squad.

“As well as their huge contributions on the pitch, they both have a great deal of experience and are very popular off the pitch.

“We’re very pleased with them both signing contract extensions, as it provides our squad with further stability of quality.”

Walcott was linked with a move to Liverpool with Kop boss Brendan Rodgers reportedly a fan.

But the Arsenal star confirmed his new contract on Twitter and said: “This is my home! Happy to have signed a new four-year deal.”

Walcott joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2006 and has scored 50 goals in 208 Premier League appearances for the club.

Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes the lack of transfer activity at his former club is due to the fact that Wenger is targeting a “marquee” signing.

The Gunners have made just one signing so far this summer with Petr Cech controversially arriving from Chelsea in a deal worth around £11 million.

Wenger’s side have made high profile signings in each of the last two summer windows with Mesut Ozil, and then Alexis Sanchez, arriving in big money deals.

However, Keown has eased fears over the club’s spending and says his former side are targeting a top forward.

“I think Arsenal’s priority will be to sign a top striker,” said Keown.

“A marquee signing can feel like you’ve landed a psychological blow against your opposition.”

“It makes teams sit up and take notice. He wasn’t a striker but think back to when Arsenal signed Sol Campbell.” – AFP.