Can Arsenal afford to risk Walcott in the centre?

The failure of signing any striker seems to be the biggest talking point in and around the Emirates these days. Leaving the thinking behind that, one of the reasons which may have prompted Arsene Wenger is his insistence that Theo Walcott will give him options up front – but is it likely that Theo could turn into the new Thierry Henry?

Talking exclusively to Arsenal official website, Walcott reiterated the same and explained that he believes that he can play in any position in the front three. Walcott thinks that he can be more potent down the middle where he is yet to convince Wenger of his capability.

“It’s obviously well documented that I want to play up front but there’s a lot of competition for places here. I will do my best in any position when I am given the opportunity to play for this club. I will always be judged on goals and assists but I feel like I would score a lot of goals up front.”

The England international was traditionally developed on the right for a major part of his career at the Emirates. His pace is used on many occasions to stretch the pitch by running past the wing-backs. However, Walcott prefers to play from a more central position where he can continue to terrorize defences and stretch them.

Wenger has already given him a game in that role when he was started ahead of Olivier Giroud. Walcott drew a blank against Newcastle United and didn’t convince Wenger or the supporters of his ability to lead the line. But, the mercurial England international is confident of getting on the score sheet soon and get his confidence back.

Walcott has started on the bench in three of the last four games but now insists that he is open to playing in any position. His wish could be fulfilled soon because Wenger didn’t sign a new striker, as expected in many quarters.

The wide attacking position is something that fits Walcott like hand in a glove. But he feels that he can be the one who can score many goals. The 26-year-old Walcott recently signed a new four-year contract with the Gunners. This would see him at the club till 2019, after a lot of rumours flying every which way before he signed on the dotted line.

Walcott is now looking to score more goals and substantiate the faith given to him by Wenger. He could be the silver lining in the dark cloud that the fans are looking for, after drawing the short straw in the transfer window.

But can Wenger afford to keep giving Walcott chances until the goals start flowing? With Welbeck out injured, surely Giroud can’t start every single game….