Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger remains hopeful regarding his chances of agreeing a new contract with Theo Walcott after the England international scored the winning goal against West Ham United on Saturday.
The 23-year-old's deal is set to expire at the end of the season and his failure to agree new terms has led to speculation that he could be sold by Wenger before then.
In the aftermath of the late victory over the Hammers, however, the French coach spoke of his "big respect" for Walcott's character and attitude.
When asked whether he believes the forward wishes to stay at the Emirates Stadium, Wenger told reporters: "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 made no secret of his desire to play as a central striker, having largely bee n deployed on the right wing since moving to Arsenal from Southampton in 2006.
Wenger did not doubt his ability to operate through the middle, but argued that he had the qualities to contribute goals in any forward position.
"Theo's game is based on movement off the ball, timing and finishing," he explained. "He can play wide, he can play centre.
"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."
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