Walcott awaits Arsenal spree

Theo Walcott said he is anticipating off-season developments at Arsenal, as coach Arsene Wenger starts to plan a title challenge in 2011-12.

Arsenal fell short on all fronts last season, finishing fourth in the English Premier League.

They also lost the Carling Cup final to Birmingham and exited the Champions League and FA Cup against Barcelona and Manchester United respectively.

Wenger has hinted that he may finally alter a strict policy of youth development and instead pay sizeable transfer fees in an attempt to strengthen the squad.

And the buzz of big-money recruitment has forward Walcott intrigued.

“We need to keep hold of our best players and the boss has said that he is going to spend as well,” Walcott said.

“To add to the team is going to be crucial, I’ll be interested to see who comes and goes.”

Walcott was out of action for over a month between September and October last year, and also succumbed to more injury problems at different times throughout the season.

Nevertheless, the former Southampton man was reasonably satisfied with his contribution to the Arsenal cause.

“Personally I was quite happy with my season, even though I missed 13 weeks,” Walcott said.

“Hopefully I can have an injury-free season next year and it will be a good battle for us.”

“There’s a lot of teams like Manchester City and Liverpool coming into the frame now. So the Premier League will not be easy next year.”

On the international scene, Walcott began England’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland on Saturday, which ended in a disappointing 2-2 draw for the hosts.

Walcott knows the team must improve during their last three matches in Group G to secure a route to next year’s finals in Poland and Ukraine.

And his own place in the team is far from assured, with Aston Villa’s Ashley Young coming off the bench to score the equaliser at Wembley.

“It’s been a long time without any smiles in the England team,” Walcott said.

“We have great potential, the manager is giving opportunities to younger players to develop and come through the system … Like Jack (Wilshere), who’s had a great season and stamped his place in the England team as well.”

“No-one’s place is guaranteed, it’s great to see a lot of competition.”