Arsenal are set to start talks with Theo Walcott, as the winger's current contract expires in the summer of 2013.

The Gunners faced a difficult situation last summer, as Samir Nasri entered into the last year of deal at the Emirates Stadium and refused to put pen to paper on an extension.

This forced the North London club to sell the France international to Manchester City, instead of potentially losing him for free 12 months later.

Robin van Persie and Walcott are both out-of-contract the summer after next, and The Telegraph have stated that Arsene Wenger has scheduled initial talks with the attacker to try to extend his deal with the club.

The newspaper indicates that Walcott looks at the potential extension in a positive fashion, and was full of praise for the side's current form and team spirit.

“The atmosphere in the dressing room is fantastic — the best it’s probably been for a long time," Walcott stated.

“We are a bit more of a team, we work harder when we haven’t got the ball.”

Van Persie has also seemed reluctant to sign a new deal at the Emirates, with the team's fate this season potentially having a key factor in whether the club's star players stay or go.

By Gareth McKnight

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