Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has urged team-mate Theo Walcott to follow his lead and sign a new contract at the club.

Wilshere, 20, was one of five young British players to sign new deals with the Gunners last week, alongside Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey, Carl Jenkinson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Walcott, 23, whose contract expires in the summer, is reportedly being monitored by Liverpool and Manchester City, and is holding out for higher wages and a change in position to striker.

Wilshere told The Sun: "Everybody at the club wants Theo to re-sign. I'm always winding him up, saying 'C'mon Theo, sign'. But that is something he has got to sort out. It is up to him and the club to reach an agreement and I hope they do."

He added: "Theo's been great for us and he knows what he means to us and the fans. Five of us British boys have just signed so hopefully he can be the sixth and cap it off."

He added: "We're all great friends, the British boys. We all go out together, have meals together and we all sit together when we're on the road."

Walcott proved his worth to Arsenal on Saturday, winning the penalty which Mikel Arteta scored for the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win at Wigan.