Arsenal will hold crunch talks with Theo Walcott after Euro 2012 as Arsene Wenger look to resolve the forward's uncertain future.
Like Robin van Persie, Walcott's contract expires at the end of next season meaning he could leave on a free transfer in 2013 and start negotiating with a foreign club at the turn of the year.
But while the Gunners have moved quickly in their attempts to re-sign Van Persie, an offer to Walcott has not been so forthcoming.
Sportsmail revealed in February how Wenger was beginning to lose patience with Walcott's inconsistent displays for the Gunners.
That fact has been underlined by the club's apparent reluctance to start formal negotiations over fresh terms.
Members of the Gunners hierarchy fear the club are playing a dangerous game regarding Walcott's future.
Despite the fact he only has 12 months left on his deal the Gunners value Walcott at in-excess of £20million and the prospect of losing him for nothing is a worry.
But the club will look to finally resolve his future after England's Euro 2012 campaign.
Walcott has been open about his desire to open talks about fresh terms, saying as early as October that he wanted to discuss a new deal.
Informal talks have taken place - but the club's failure to present Walcott's camp with something concrete has raised doubt over his future.
Walcott earns around £70,000-per-week and while he is likely to land a pay increase, it is unlikely the club will offer him a significant wage hike.
The England international could earn significantly more elsewhere, particularly if he leaves on a free transfer ahead of the 2013/14 campaign.
Chelsea are known to be monitoring Walcott's situation and will be kept informed of how talks regarding his future develop.
By SAMI MOKBEL
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