Arsène Wenger has insisted that he wants to keep Theo Walcott and for negotiations to be resolved prior to the end of the year.

Many rumours have been circulating over the future of Walcott, whose contract lasts until summer 2013, at Arsenal, with reports representatives rejected a deal in August, with Walcott apparently wanting higher wages than what was being offered, while also wanting to be a lead striker, causing speculation about interest from clubs including Liverpool.

However, Wenger has made it clear that he wants to fight to get him to stay on. He said: “My desire is to keep Theo. We do what's needed to keep him and hopefully [as] I told you many times, we can sort this situation out very soon - very soon is before the end of December, one way or another, that is for sure. I don't want to go into any details [over wage negotiations], but you can believe me [that] we do the maximum we can to keep our best players."

Wenger also insists that he is not concerned that players are revolting against his tactics, with Lukas Podolski the latest player wanting to be leading Arsenal’s attack.

He said: "I don't find many players who don't want to play central. Podolski has 101 caps in Germany and 101 on the left. I brought him as well with the idea that, when needed, he would play through the middle. I like the idea, but we will use him where he is useful for the team."

Walcott scored in Arsenal’s Champions League draw with Schalke this Tuesday.

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