Walcott targets spot up front

Theo Walcott is gunning for a berth in the Arsenal forward line next season after five years on the wing at the north London club.

Walcott, 22, joined English Premier League side Arsenal from Southampton in January 2006.

He has made 114 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal, the majority of them coming in a wide role.

Now set to embark on his fifth full season in the Arsenal first team, the England international has his sights set on a centre-forward spot.

“I was signed as a striker – I want to play up front. I think I have done my trade out on the wing,” Walcott said.

“I think a lot of people forget I’m not a winger. I see myself as a striker, but if I get played up front it will take me a few games to get used to playing there again because I haven’t played there for about five years.”

“I think I have done a fairly good job on the wing for Arsenal. For this team I will play anywhere, but hopefully the fans will start seeing me up front a bit more.”

Walcott could be set to follow the path of former team-mate Thierry Henry, who made the transition from an unproductive wide role at Juventus to starring as a striker for Arsenal.

“I’ve been practicing my finishing after training,” Walcott said.

“This season, 15-20 is my target.”

“I know I’m not going to play every single game. I always work at a high intensity so I’m not going to be able to do every single game.”

“The boss will know that as well. Hopefully I will be given a bit more of a free role as well. I’m intrigued to see what happens.”

Arsenal finished fourth in the English Premier League last season, losing in the Carling Cup final to Birmingham City and bowing out of the Champions League and FA Cup to Barcelona and Manchester United respectively.