Wenger concerned with Arsenal fans booing ‘contract rebel’ Walcott

London: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has urged fans to stop booing Theo Walcott, who is yet to sign a new contract with the Gunners, and was jeered when he came on during Saturday’s 6-1 win over Southampton.

Walcott, who will be a free agent next summer, completed the scoring although he could remain on the bench for tonight’s Champions League opener at Montpellier. “It is a worry. You want your players to be supported no matter what contractual situation they are in. I hope it does not affect me or his fans. I hope to extend his contract so, at the moment, it does not affect me,” a daily quoted Wenger, as saying. “I hope to extend his contract so, at the moment, it does not affect me,” he added. Walcott, wanted by Chelsea and Liverpool, has turned down an offer from Arsenal worth 75,000 pounds a week but he is understood to be keen to stay. Wenger added: “Theo is 23 and has gone through a lot. A lot of positives and a lot of negatives.” ANI