Like Henry, Walcott has played mostly on the wing for Arsenal since signing but is looking to make the move to centre forward, where he has played in the last two games.

"I always said that one day he would play through the middle and it grew in his brain," Wenger said. "He is now 23, and I decided to play Thierry Henry at 23 through the middle because you have to learn a lot before.

"The fact that you play in other positions helps your technique. On the wing you need a shorter technique against the line but once you play in the middle you can go on both sides. From 19 to 23, Theo has learned a lot. Now we will sometimes play him on the flanks, sometimes through the middle, but I like what I have seen through the middle. The signs are good, it's an interesting challenge for him but I think he can take it on."