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Arsenal must secure Theo Walcott's long-term future, says Paul Merson

Theo Walcott of Arsenal looks on from the substitutes bench during the Champions League round of 16 match between Arsenal and Monaco at The Emirates
Image: Walcott: Has entered the final 18 months of the current Arsenal deal.

Arsenal must do everything in their power to secure Theo Walcott's long-term future at the club or he will "come back to haunt them", according to Paul Merson.

Walcott, whose contractc expires in the summer of 2016, has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium after his return from an 11-month injury absence was hampered by a fresh setback, and a subsequent lack of first-team opportunities.

Walcott took to Twitter to categorically dismiss speculation that his demands were blocking a new deal with the Gunners.

And Merson believes it is imperative for Arsenal to keep Walcott out of the clutches of a host of Premier League clubs who he believes would be desperate to sign the England forward.

Asked whether his former club had to tie down Walcott, Merson told The Morning View on Sky Sports News HQ: "You hope so for Arsenal Football Club.

"Arsenal need to sign him up, because he's someone who will come back and haunt you badly.

"Everybody in the country will want to sign Walcott; he will get you 15 to 20 goals a season.

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Everybody in the country will want to sign Walcott; he will get you 15 to 20 goals a season. Arsenal need to sign him very, very quickly. He's a must, an absolute must.
Paul Merson

"Arsenal need to sign him very, very quickly. He's a must, an absolute must."

A bust-up between Walcott and manager Arsene Wenger is also reported to have halted negotiations, but Walcott has staunchly denied the reports.

And Merson was quick to jump to the defence of both parties, labelling the claims as rubbish.

"I've met Theo before and he's a nice lad," Merson added.

"I've met Arsene and he's a nice man, so I don't see the two of them arguing, I just don't see that.

"I think talk of an argument between the two of them is a load of rubbish."

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