Wengers warning for Walcott

Walcott, 23, is into the final season of his current deal and negotiations over an extension remain unresolved. There had been suggestions the England forward would be sold in the last transfer window to avoid him moving as a free agent next summer, but Gunners manager Wenger maintains, should the situation drag on, then he could reconsider how best to utilise the player.

"It can (change selection policy), but at the moment I still hope to extend his contract so at the moment, it doesn't affect me. Of course at some stage...," said Wenger, whose side kick off their Champions League campaign in Montpellier on Tuesday. "If in April it (contract) is not done, you can think it will be difficult to do."

Walcott has not started a match since the opening day against Sunderland - and received a mixed reception from some sections of the Emirates Stadium crowd when coming on against former club Southampton on Saturday, scoring the final goal in the 6-1 victory.

Wenger, though, feels Walcott will be able to handle the boo-boys.

"You want your players to be supported no matter what kind of contractual situation they are in," the Gunners boss said. "I hope it will not affect him and that it will not affect our fans."

Wenger continued: "Theo has gone through a lot at 23 years of age. A lot of positives, a lot of negatives and he is level-headed.

"We are lucky: I don't know what they do at Southampton, but they bring players out, (Alex Oxlade) Chamberlain and him, with their feet on the ground."

Source: PA

Source: PA