Arsene Wenger has admitted that he is concerned by the mixed reception that Theo Walcott received during Arsenal's 6-1 win over Southampton on Saturday.

The England winger, who has yet to sign a new contract with the Gunners, was introduced as a second-half substitute at the Emirates, but was booed by a portion of the home fans.

Wenger has conceded that those jeers and Walcott's contract situation are a major worry for the club as the 23-year-old enters the final year of his current Arsenal deal.

"Clearly it is a worry. You want your players to be supported no matter what contractual situation they are in, but at the moment we cannot let this affect us," Wenger said.

"We are still in a position where we hope Theo extends his contract. If we are in the same position next April, then clearly it will be more difficult.

"For now, he says he wants to stay at Arsenal and is committed to the team and that is important. I am confident he will stay here. That is what we all hope."

Walcott was used as a 90th-minute substitute in Arsenal's 2-1 Champions League win over French champions Montpellier tonight.