Theo Walcott to be given central role?

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has hinted that Theo Walcott could be given a central striking role this season.

The 23-year-old, who has struggled for consistency in recent seasons, has been deployed as a wide player since his switch from Southampton in 2006.

Meanwhile, Wenger has also revealed that he is considering moving Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain into a central midfield role on a more consistent basis.

"They are a different style. I believe that Walcott is more of a striker-type and Oxlade-Chamberlain is a more midfielder-type," Wenger told the club's official website.

"You could see Oxlade-Chamberlain developing into a central midfielder but you could never with Walcott. I see Walcott developing through the middle as a striker and Chamberlain maybe as a central midfielder."

Arsenal face Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday.