Liverpool and City plan to lure Walcott with promise of striking role

- Adapted from Daily Mail

Manchester City and Liverpool will promise Theo Walcott the striking role he so desperately desires in a bid to lure him away from Arsenal.

The 23-year-old has yet to commit his future to the Gunners despite his contract expiring next summer.

And City and Liverpool plan to make their move in January in the hope Arsenal will choose to offload Walcott in a cut-price deal, according to the Daily Mirror.

The England international has made it clear to boss Arsene Wenger that he wants to play upfront but he his pleas has so far gone unheeded.

Arsenal are unwilling to increase their £80,000-a-week offer but Walcott has admitted he will only put pen to paper on a new deal if he is promised a more central role.

“I want to be an Arsenal legend. Thierry [Henry] joined the club when he was 22 and I want to become an Arsenal legend like him, playing up front as well, which is a big factor for me,” he said last week.

“I've played on the right wing and had the opportunity to play up front a bit more so I think it's about time.”

Wenger said: I'm not against it, I'm not against it at all but we try and at the moment there is big competition up front, we have a different formula and the team is doing well.

“His time will come for that and at the moment we have to be a bit patient.

“He is a great finisher now, in front of goal he is really absolutely amazing.”

Wenger also revealed the club are constantly in talks with Walcott's representatives over a new deal and is hopeful of keeping him at the club.

“We want him to stay, I always said exactly the same,” he said.

“We are all professional and I always said that lets hope we can extend his deal and that is part of every professional situation.

“I speak to Theo of course, we are always in touch with them (his agent) and you have to give us some time to try and sort that out.”