Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says Theo Walcott has the attributes to develop into a top class striker.

Wenger believes now could be the time for Walcott to get an opportunity up front.

"There is a chance," said the Arsenal manager. "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."

He also told arsenal.com: "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 Frenchman has also highlighted some areas Walcott needs to work on if he is to become a leading striker.

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

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