Soccer:Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that Theo Walcott does want to remain with the club. Walcott has started just one league game this season, making a further five appearances from the bench.

He was a substitute against West Ham United on Saturday and helped turn the game in Arsenal's favour as he struck the second in their 3-1 win.

Walcott's future remains a huge talking point, given his current deal expires at the end of the season, but Wenger still believes the England man will sign a new contract with the club.

Asked if he thought Walcott would re-sign, he said: "I think so. But I cannot tell you what he tells me. We are always in touch. He has character. He keeps focused and he wants to show he is 100 per cent professional and I have a big respect for that attitude."

Walcott has called for Wenger to give him a chance through the middle and the Frenchman admits he could yet be given that opportunity.

"Theo's game is based on movement off the ball, timing and finishing. He can play wide, he can play centre," he said. "Basically it is not so important. He has improved a lot in his finishing. Even if he plays wide or centre he gets in positions where he can score."