Theo Walcott: Arsenal "very close" to Premier League title challenge

Arsenal attacker Theo Walcott has expressed his belief that his side are "very close" to launching a Premier League title challenge.

The Gunners won their second consecutive FA Cup at Wembley this afternoon, with Walcott setting them on their way to a 4-0 triumph over Aston Villa, but they finished the league season 12 points off Chelsea and four points worse off than last season.

However, Walcott hailed the current squad as one of the most talented that he has seen in his nine years with the club and believes that they will push for a first league title since 2004 next season.

"We're very close [to challenging]. We just need to start well," he told BBC Sport.

"I've been here for a long time and this is one of the best squads that I've been part of. We should be achieving much more. But I believe now that's two FA Cups, the Premier League is the next big target."

Arsenal's success over Villa handed them a record 12th FA Cup crown, six of which have come under Arsene Wenger.