Wenger keen on Walcott stay

Arsene Wenger has spoken of his desire to keep Theo Walcott, but is aware Arsenal may have to dig deep to thrash out a new deal with the England forward.



Walcott has been one of England's most high profile players since joining the Gunners as a teenager and famously being taken to the 2006 World Cup by Sven Goran Eriksson.



After initially finding life tough at Arsenal, Walcott has emerged into one of Wenger's key figures. There is, though, talk that he could be lured away from the club - with his current contract due to expire in 2013.



Wenger is eager to thrash out a new deal and appears unfazed by claims Walcott's demands for a significant pay hike are causing unrest at the Emirates.



"We want to keep Theo and he knows that," Wenger said. "Of course (he earns his money) he works every day and works very hard.



"His attitude is great, I have no problems with that at all."