LONDON: Arsenal could not persuade Cesc Fabregas or Samir Nasri or Robin Van Persie to stay in north London but they have won over England forward Theo Walcott.

He has reportedly agreed to extend a contract, due to expire at the end of the season, by a further three years as the Gunners continue to pursue their newly-established  ‘home-grown’ route.

Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs, Carl Jenkinson, Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all signed five-year extensions last month.

The 23-year-old and his advisers rejected a five-year offer worth £75,000 a week in August but confirmation of a deal – possibly of around £90,000-a-week – is expected to be confirmed formally next week after Arsenal’s Sunday derby against Chelsea.

The Southampton academy graduate was upset with manager Arsene Wenger’s decision to use him mainly as a substitute earlier in the season, but Walcott has since not only regained a regular starting place but in his favoured central striker position.

So far this season he has scored 14 goals in 24 games.

Arsenal rebuffed a bid for Walcott fromManchesterCitytowards the end of the summer 2012 transfer window, while Liverpool,Chelseaand Manchester United had also expressed an interest.

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