Arsene Wenger: 'Theo Walcott deal is key'

Arsene Wenger believes that signing Theo Walcott to a new deal is key to ensuring Arsenal's young talent stays at the club.

Arsenal are believed to be close to securing a new contract for the forward, and Wenger thinks that it will send the right message to other youngsters at the club.

"Theo signing would at least give a positive mesage out for us," said Wenger. "To the fans who love the club, that the way is not necessarily the exit but stability.

"When you go for a policy of young players like we have, you know when they get to 23-30 or more they will play for you, but if you give them a chance at 18 and at 23 they leave, you have basically worked for another club.

"[Alex] Chamberlain is 19, [Jack] Wilshere is 21, Walcott is 23, [Carl] Jenkinson 20, [Kieran] Gibbs 23. You need this core inside which represents the strengths and values of a club. We had that before - [Thierry] Henry and [Patrick] Vieira stayed for eight or nine years - and we have created it again."

Wenger also said this weekend that he would love to see Cesc Fabregas return to Arsenal.

The Gunners are currently preparing to face Manchester City this afternoon.