Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has dismissed reports linking Theo Walcott with Everton – despite Toffees boss Sam Allardyce saying the 28-year-old would be a ‘fantastic addition’ to his squad.

The Goodison Park boss hailed the former Southampton wideman adding he would be a goalscoring threat.

Speaking on Friday morning the Allardyce said: “If it’s possible to [get the deal] over the line I’d be delighted.

“It’s not imminent but negotiations are ongoing.”

However Wenger played a dead bat on the future of the two-time FA Cup winner with Arsenal who has played 395 times for the club – but who has only featured in 47 minutes of Premier League action this term.

When quizzed on Everton wanting to sign Walcott Wenger said: “I cannot tell you much more.

“Sam Allardyce has made that statement but Theo Walcott is here.”

The long-serving Frenchman admitted he would like the winger to stay but has not given any assurances he will play ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

The Arsenal manager believes he has a good relationship with the England international but with the finals in Russia on the horizon he added: “I don’t want him to be frustrated or lose an opportunity to go to the World Cup.

“Theo went to the World Cup in Germany in 2006 and we are now in 2018 and since he has not been for different reasons, so that is a sensitive subject.”

Wenger confirmed he was ‘active’ in the transfer market but refused to confirm any details, hailing 20-year-old Bordeaux forward Malcom as a ‘good player’ but refused to reveal whether he was actively seeking to sign the Sao Paulo-born player.