Theo Walcott Can Be A Great Arsenal Striker - Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has declared that Theo Walcott has all the traits necessary to become a prolific striker for the Gunners.

The Frenchman believes that the youngster can turn into something special, but maintained that the former Southampton star still needs to improve his game in order to shine in a central role.

Wenger told the club's official website: "There is a chance [for Walcott to become a great striker]. I believe he has all the assets to be a fantastic central player.

"I'm very conscious of that because of the quality and the timing of his runs.

"The only thing I would say with Theo is that every time I have rushed him back he has got injured again.

"This time I have decided to take the time to get him completely 100 per cent fit to come back."

The former Monaco boss suggested a few areas that the 20-year-old - who has featured most often on the wing for both club and country - would need to concentrate on to up his game.

"What he needs to work on to play in this kind of position is [having his] back to goal," Wenger added.

"At the moment, his strengths are more central to the counterattacking role than the distribution role. That's what he has to add to his game."