The England international was handed his favoured central striking role and scored the fifth goal as Arsenal thumped Reading in the English Premier League match at the Madejski Stadium.

Walcott is out of the contract at the end of this season and reportedly demanding a significant wage increase, as well as assurances he will be played centrally, if he is to commit his future to the north London club.

"Talks are ongoing and it's going to be a slow process," he told Sky Sports.

"Like I've said before in recent weeks this takes a long time, but I'm sure something will happen soon."

Arsenal and their manager Arsene Wenger have been widely criticised this week after being knocked out of the Capital One Cup by League Two side Bradford City, but Walcott said the squad will stick together.

"We're a big family, we know our qualities, we know it hasn't been good enough in recent weeks, but hopefully we showed people the true Arsenal," he said.

"They were some disappointing goals we conceded but going forward we looked very strong and now we've got a busy Christmas schedule."

Walcott's team-mate Jack Wilshere was thoroughly impressed with the striker's performance, and is hopeful his compatriot will be able to remain at the Emirates Stadium.

"That's between Theo and his representatives and the boss, but hopefully we can sign him up here," Wilshere said.

"He showed tonight he can play up front and hopefully we can sign him up and he can play up front in the future."