Theo Walcott: Arsenal must keep Nasri and sign Benzema to keep fans on side

Theo Walcott insists Arsenal must hang on to midfield star Samir Nasri.

The England winger fears the club could be on a slippery slope if they lose the 23-year-old Frenchman with Manchester United lurking.

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Nasri's contract runs out at the end of next season and talks over a new deal have stalled, meaning Arsene Wenger will have to sell this summer or risk the player leaving on a free next year.

But Walcott said: "We don't want to be losing our best players and suddenly coming out of the top four. It just can't happen otherwise you start losing the younger generation coming through.

"I don't like getting involved in other players' decisions. It's totally up to the managers and players and teams involved.

"But we all want to keep hold of our best players, especially at Arsenal.

"What a great season he had as well, being nominated for PFA player of the year, after the World Cup as well.

"It's going to be interesting but if we want to build on our team we need to keep hold of our best players."

Walcott does, however, understand the frustrations and skipper Cesc Fabregas at the lack of silverware and signings.

He added: "They just want to win things. That's totally what it comes down to.

"You want to build on your best players and Samir Nasri is definitely one of our best players.

"We'll be disappointed if he goes but it's totally up to him, it's his decision. Only time will tell.

"I've never stopped believing in trying to win the league. The manager has said he is going to spend and I'm intrigued about who is going to come in. We'll see.

"You need to add players. We've had a small squad, so I'm interested in who we're going to get."

Walcott believes one particular signing would really set pulses racing.

He said: "Its always nice to see new additions to the squad but maybe one player will attract more players and keep players.

"I've heard rumours of Karim Benzema at Real Madrid. Someone like that would help you hold on to your best players, get the crowd on their feet as well.

"The manager knows what he's doing, it's up to him. He brought in Thomas Vermaelen and we've missed him because he's a great signing.

"The boss knows what he's doing and he says he is going to spend so it will be interesting."

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Theo Walcott was speaking at the Just Play event organised by the FA and Mars and designed to encourage more people to play the game