Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists that Theo Walcott can follow in Thierry Henry's footsteps and successfully make the switch from winger to striker.

Wenger has said that he has been impressed with Walcott's recent performances through the middle, where he started against Reading and Wigan Athletic.

"I like the signs that I have seen," Wenger told Arsenal's official website. "If you look at my statements, I always said that one day he would play through the middle and it grew in his brain.

"He is now 23. I decided to play Thierry Henry at 23 through the middle because you have to learn a lot before. The fact that you play in other positions as well helps your technique.

"From 19 to 23, Theo has learnt a lot. Now we will sometimes play him on the flanks and sometimes through the middle. I like what I have seen through the middle."

Arsenal are currently seventh in the Premier League with half the season gone.

Read Sports Mole's summary of Arsenal's season so far here.