How about giving me a try up front, says Champions League goalscorer

Theo Walcott gave Arsenal a vital first-leg lead in their Champions League play-off with Udinese and then admitted: it’s time I played as a striker.

The 22-year-old’s goal means Arsenal head to Italy next Wednesday with a 1-0 lead to defend, and Walcott feels Arsene Wenger will get the best out of him if he lets him lead the line.

“I just like to put it out there,” said Walcott. “The boss has always promised me in time I will get a chance to play up front. It’s been six years so hopefully if I keep scoring I can get a chance up front with Robin [van Persie] maybe.

“I am not demanding anything. I’m just giving the boss something to think about.”

Wenger has had plenty to think about this week following the departure of Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona and imminent exit of Samir Nasri, but Walcott refused to be downcast by off-field events.

“I am smiling right now so I am very positive. This result is very positive and hopefully it will help the fans as well,” added Walcott.

“I am sure the boss has got players coming – I don’t know – but if you sell one of your best players I am sure he has got options coming in.

“It is important to have a mixture of experience and young players but the boss knows what he is doing. He has some great players that he has picked up and we didn’t know where they came from.

“But the mood is very good. We got a very good result at Newcastle and we had young players come on and gain experience in the Champions League. We have another very tough game at the weekend and then out to Italy.

“Udinese are a very good team – they are technically very strong, quick and at times I think they taught us a bit of a lesson. We have players to come back as well and they are going to be under more pressure at their place because they have to come at us more.”