The Gunners endured a long-running saga to tie Walcott down to his current deal, risking losing the England international on a free before he penned terms with just six months to spare.
Wenger is keen to tie up the 25-year-old’s future, with his deal set to expire next summer, but is anticipating a similarly slow process this time around, while he hopes Walcott will not be put off signing due to his reduced playing time.
“The first contacts have been established with the embassy! We will see how that progresses politically,” the Arsenal boss told reporters.
“Walcott was difficult to convince [last time] and that’s why it took us much time. We started very early with him but it was slow progress. He is very quick on the pitch but off the pitch not always.”
Speaking of Walcott’s reduced role, Wenger continued: “I want him to stay and be a regular player and fight for his place but no matter where you go if it is a big club you have to compete for your place.
“We went to Manchester United on Monday - look at what they had on the bench. Look at what was sitting on the bench at Chelsea v Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday. That is part of the job.
“We bought Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck because when you are responsible for a club and you know a player is out for a year and will not play until January, you cannot sacrifice the first six months.
“Players know they cannot play every game. We all know that. But it is normal some want to be on the pitch all the time. That is human.”
Rival winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is likely to be sidelined for four weeks with a hamstring injury, and Wenger has urged Walcott to profit from his team-mate's misfortune: “It is an opportunity for Theo. He is ready to play.”
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