Arsenal's Walcott ready to clip Swans' wings

LONDON (AFP) - Theo Walcott believes he is now demonstrating a true striker's instinct, highlighting why the winger's contract negotiations are coming to dominate Arsenal's season.

Walcott scored his tenth goal of the campaign at Everton to secure the draw that ensures Arsene Wenger's side face Swansea at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday one point and one place above the Welsh club in seventh position.

But if the quality of Walcott's finish underlined his value to the side, the fact it came after it had emerged the player had not been included on the club's 2013 calendar confirmed his Arsenal future remains in the balance.

Walcott is a free agent at the end of the season, with talks about a new deal having stalled over the player's wage demands.