Arsenal forward Theo Walcott is determined to fight for his place ahead of the new season despite the Gunners being close to signing AS Monaco’s Thomas Lemar.

According to the Daily Star, the 28-year-old is being linked with West Ham United this summer but isn’t interested in a move. Walcott has been at Arsenal for 11 years and is desperate to extend his stay and prove his worth to manager Arsene Wenger.

However, Arsenal are actively pursuing two players whose best role is similar to Walcott’s – AS Monaco’s Thomas Lemar and Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez. Lemar is closest to signing this summer, but the existing Gunners winger won’t throw in the towel regardless.

Last season, Walcott scored and created 21 goals in 37 games in all competitions for Arsenal, netting double figures in the Premier League for the first time since 2012/13. He lost his place in the side during the second half of 2016/17 but may have a chance to get back into favour in pre-season.