Thomas Vermaelen has encouraged Arsenal to reach a successful conclusion to their ongoing contract negotiations with his teammate Theo Walcott.

England international Walcott's current deal is due to expire in the summer, which in turn means that he will be free to discuss terms with other clubs as from next month.

However, defender Vermaelen is hoping that the Gunners will be able to keep hold of one of their key players.

"Of course we want him to stay but that is something that is going on between the player and the club," Vermaelen told reporters. "I don't know what is going on behind the scenes. We don't talk about it. Of course, Theo has been invaluable for us when he played this year. He is dangerous for us and I hope he could stay this year.

"We know his qualities. He is quick and goes in behind defenders all the time."

Walcott joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2006.