London: English football club's manager Arsene Wenger has stated he does not want to miss winger Theo Walcott's "golden age" by allowing him to leave the side at the end of the current season.
The England forward has struggled for game time after his long injury lay off. But after making himself fit he has spent his time on the sidelines due to the impressive form of Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey.
His lack of action has prompted speculation he may leave the club at the end of the ongoing season. But Wenger said he would want him to stay.
"He loves the club and I think he wants to stay. (Out) of the whole squad he is the player who has played the most games for us. Nobody has played more for us than Theo. I think he has played 202 games and that means he is part of us.," Wenger was quoted as saying by arsenal.com on Sunday.
"I bought him from Southampton when he was 17 because I believe in his qualities as a good finisher and the timing of his runs are very intelligent," the manager explained.
"He's at the best age now. Being 26 to 32 as a striker is the best age as a striker and I wouldn't like to miss that golden age."
Wenger said Walcott's ideal position is to play as a striker and can transform his game to suit any attacking role given to him as he is abundantly talented.
"I think his position will be striker. I work with him in both situations, as a striker and as a wide player. But the quality of the runs is so fantastic with the pace he has. When he was younger he was rushing his finishing but he is a good finisher now," he said.
"He can be transformed. He is naturally gifted to play in this position but he has different qualities. Olivier Giroud has a physical presence, back to goal, can head the ball. Theo is more a guy who is a runner, who goes behind."
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