Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed that the club can afford to let Walcott leave at the end of his contract and that he is happy to leave the winger out of his side.

Walcott has not started a game for the Gunners since reports of his contract disagreements surfaced and it seems Wenger will stay firm when it comes to the player’s demands.

"I haven't picked him, it's true," Wenger told the Daily Mirror.

"I still hope to sign him and the next two months will be vital because, after that, the longer this situation lasts the more difficult it is.

"Let's hope we can find a solution in the next two months but the fact he doesn't play regularly at the moment is right, but it's not necessarily linked with his contract situation.

"It will depend on the needs of the team and the club. We can afford to go to the end (of the contract) if needed.

"No player is happy when he doesn't play.

"At the moment, Koscielny doesn't play. He's just extended his contract and still doesn't play because the defence is doing well.

"That's only temporary because by the end of the season they will all play."