“There is intensity in my desire to keep Walcott” – Wenger insists after Newcastle

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, has reiterated his desire to keep Theo Walcott at the Emirates, after the striker grabbed a hat-trick and produced a man-of-the-match performance in the 7-3 win over Newcastle on Saturday.

The club is trying to extend the England international’s contract and Wenger says he desperately wants to keep him.

“The intensity of my desire [to extend his contract] is exactly the same,” he said after the game.

“He has done very well, it typifies what I think he can do. He can play through the middle, he will only get stronger.

“He is a good finisher, he has learned a lot because he is an intelligent player. He will continue to improve.

“I think he loves the club and the club loves him.”

Speaking about Walcott’s first goal in the game, the 62-year-old said: “That was a Thierry Henry-type goal.”

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