Arsenal star Theo Walcott insists he is happy to battle with Olivier Giroud for the central striker role at the club.

The England international has been deployed in a wide position since his move to the Premier League giants back in 2006, but has made little secret of his desire to perform as the spearhead of the attack recently.

The 23-year-old played through the centre during the closing stages of the team’s 5-2 victory over Tottenham on Saturday, notching the final goal of the day.

Walcott admitted after the game that it will not be easy to claim the position on a permanent basis, but he is willing to fight to make the role his own:

“I’ve always believed I was a striker,” he told TalkSPORT.

“The boss gave me five minutes at the end there and I managed to grab a goal, which was great.

“But when you’ve got someone like Olivier (Giroud) who is playing well there’s no need to change a winning team.

“My time will come, I’ve just got to be patient, but like a say, I want to play upfront, that’s my best position.”

Walcott’s future at the club appears to be in serious doubt, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.

He is said to be looking for a pay rise and guarantees surrounding his status within the squad.