Walcott rejected the offer of a new five-year contract last Friday - prompting speculation he would join Robin Van Persie in leaving the Emirates Stadium.

The England international is believed to have held 'amicable talks' with manager Arsene Wenger on Wednesday and is set to stay in north London this season.

However, he is yet to make any assurances about where his future lies beyond the 2012/13 campaign, meaning Arsenal could risk losing the 23-year-old forward when his contract expires next year.

Arsenal want to avoid losing another high-profile player after seeing striker Van Persie depart for Manchester United.

With Liverpool and Manchester City thought to have been preparing bids for Walcott, Arsenal fans will surely be relieved if the player is still at the club when the transfer window shuts.