Arsenal Transfer News: Walcott Reiterates Desire for Central Striking Role, But Wenger Prefers Podolski

May 03, 2013 01:57 AM EDT

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has again reiterated his desire to play as a central strike for Arsenal, while Arsene Wenger prefers Lukas Podolski in that role in the absence of the suspended Olivier Giroud.

Walcott has done OK this season while given an opportunity to lead the line, even if most of his goals have come while playing on the right wing.

The 24-year-old scored the opener against Manchester United last weekend playing on the right, and Wenger clearly prefers Walcott in that role to the one down the middle.

However, Walcott has for the umpteenth time now restated his hope of playing in a central role.

"I played a few games there and I would like a few more towards the end of the season," Walcott said in the official Arsenal matchday programme.

"I scored a lot of my goals this season when playing up front, so I have shown what I can do and it is up to the manager to do what he sees is best.

"I am sure another chance will come.

"I set a 20-goal target for the season, but the biggest goal for me is to help Arsenal finish third or fourth."

Walcott is Arsenal's leading scorer with 19 goals in all competitions, but is again expected to start on the right in their English Premier League game against Queens Park Rangers, with Wenger set to give Lukas Podolski another run in the central position, despite his rather underwhelming performance against Manchester United.

"I believe he has the qualities because he is a good finisher," Wenger told the club's official website.

"He has a good technique and because we have a game based on very quick combinations I believe he can be a part of that. Overall I am convinced in the coming games he will show it.

"At the moment, yes (I will play Podolski in the middle). A definite decision has not been made but if there is an opportunity then there is a good chance I will do it."

Podolski has been struggling with an ankle problem all season which has been the main reason why Wenger has not played the German international for the entire 90 minutes frequently.

Gervinho is also an option for Wenger and the Ivory Coast international played in that position after coming on as a substitute against United.

Walcott is likely to get a chance one of these days, but not as often as he would like, with Arsenal set to bring in a striker in the summer transfer window.

Stevan Jovetic has been strongly linked, with the Gunners reportedly holding talks with Fiorentina over a move, while a summer swoop for David Villa of Barcelona cannot be entirely ruled out.

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