Walcott still set on striker role

Theo Walcott says he is still keen to cement a place leading the line for Arsenal after he scored in their 5-2 win over Spurs on Saturday.

The 23-year-old has been in excellent form of late, with five goals in as many games, but talks over a new contract have centred over Arsene Wenger’s deployment of the England man on the wing rather than through the middle, which is reportedly beginning to frustrate Walcott.

And while Walcott admits he wants to play as a centre forward, he is aware of the rivalry for that spot at Arsenal.

“I’ve always believed I was a striker,” he told TalkSPORT after Saturday’s game.

“The boss gave me five minutes at the end there and I managed to grab a goal which was great. But when you’ve got someone like Olivier (Giroud) who is playing well there’s no need to change a winning team.

“My time will come, I’ve just got to be patient, but like a say, I want to play upfront, that’s my best position.”

Walcott joined Arsenal from Southampton for 12 million pounds in 2006, and has since clocked up more than 200 appearances for the north Londoners.

His current deal expires at the end of the season, and Arsene Wenger will be keen for the 23-year-old not to join the long list of talent – including star names Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri – who have all left the Emirates in recent times.