Theo Walcott wants to play up front for Arsenal
Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has stated his desire to play as a striker for Arsene Wenger's team, saying that he hopes to be playing up front within the next two seasons.
Walcott, who recently returned from an ankle injury he sustained during the international break in September, has seven goals in eight appearances for Arsenal this season.
On Wednesday, 3 November, the winger scored Arsenal's first goal away to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League after racing clear of the Shakhtar defence.
Despite his form in midfield, Walcott's pace and composure in front of goal could see him switch from the wing to to attack.
"I will play anywhere for the Arsenal, but it is nice to know the manager has got different hopes for me playing up front because for me personally I am a striker," Walcott said, adding that he is pleased
with his scoring record so far this season. "It is nice to get within the goals because I have tended to miss out at times - I am trying to catch up a bit of time."
Recruited as a striker
Wenger signed Walcott in 2006 with the intention of eventually deploying him as a striker. But so far, the Frenchman has preferred making use of Walcott's pace on the right side of midfield.
With Robin van Persie on the sidelines for most of this season, Arsenal have been relied on the services of Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner in attack — both sturdier players than the slender Walcott.
Despite his lack of physical strength, the former Southampton player said he hopes to feature in attack for Arsenal during this season or next.
"Hopefully in the next couple of years you will see me be up front and I am looking forward to that. I have been practising in training and that seems to be paying off, so hopefully I can continue doing
that."
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