Harry Redknapp has warned Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger that he would be making a mistake by playing Theo Walcott as a striker.

The 26-year-old has largely been used as a winger during his career, although Wenger recently stated that he would share striking responsibilities with Olivier Giroud.

Redknapp, who managed Walcott at Southampton, is concerned that rotating the pair would upset Arsenal's style of play.

"It is a difficult one because you aren't swapping Giroud with someone like Graziano Pelle at Southampton, both of whom like to hold the ball up and bring others into play," he told the London Evening Standard.

"Walcott and Giroud are complete opposites and while that can be a strength because they offer a different kind of threat, the other players are going to struggle to find a consistent pattern to their play.

"I'd play Theo wide right. I'd find a place for him because pace is what teams fear most. He needs to start having a regular run if we are ever going to see the best of him."

Walcott has scored 78 goals in all competitions for Arsenal since moving from Southampton in 2006.