Theo Walcott signed a new Arsenal contract earlier this month Photo: Nike

Arsene Wenger believes that tying Theo Walcott down to a new contract has sent out the right message to his Arsenal squad.

The 23-year-old England international finally put pen to paper on a new deal earlier this month following months of speculation over the forward’s future.

The news was welcomed by Arsenal fans, who have watched some of the club’s top players leave north London in recent seasons, including the likes of Robin van Persie, Cesc Fàbregas and Samir Nasri.

And Gunners boss Wenger admits that it was crucial to secure the services of the ex-Southampton man because it shows the north Londoners are able to keep hold of their best players.

“That was very important for us,” said Wenger. “It gives two messages out. The first is that we want to keep our best players and are capable of doing it.

“Secondly, offensively, we are not in a position where we have absolutely to be desperate to buy anybody, because Theo can play through the middle and on the flanks.”