When Arsene Wenger converted Thierry Henry from a winger with precocious but unproven talent to a central striker, it was seen as a stroke of genius; and now according to the Arsenal manager Theo Walcott has all the makings to emulate the Arsenal legend.

"Thierry gives him advice, which is always important and Theo is a very intelligent boy," Wenger said.

"He understands very quickly when you tell him something and that's why I think he can do very well in this position.

"I like what I have seen of Theo through the middle.

"It's an interesting challenge (for him). I think he can take it on. He is now 23. I decided to play Thierry Henry at 23 through the middle because you have to learn a lot before.

"The fact that you play in other positions as well helps your technique.

"On the wing you need a shorter technique against the line. Once you (then) play in the middle you can go on both sides.

"From (the ages of) 19 to 23, Theo has learnt a lot. Now we will sometimes play him on the flanks and sometimes through the middle. I like what I have seen through the middle."

Wenger was initially reluctant to play Walcott down the middle, despite the England international making it clear he wanted to play in the position. The last couple of games, however, has seen the 23-year-old get his wish, and has been quite impressive to boot.

Meanwhile, Wenger admitted he would be a busy man in the January transfer window as Arsenal look to not just bring in a couple of "exceptional" additions, but also offload some of the players in the fringes of the squad.

"Yes, I will be busy," Wenger confirmed. "I don't feel under pressure to name names because you (the media) find them on your own.

"We have the potential to be in the Champions League with what we have. We are open to strengthening the team, but the difficulty is to find what strengthens us. (You don't always find that with) the players available on the market.

"Yes (we want players who can make an immediate impact), that is why it is so difficult as well. Man United bought Robin van Persie for £24 million ($39 million) and he is 29 years old.

"They have scouts all over the world. They looked everywhere. Don't think that they just came in and bought Van Persie, they looked everywhere else.

"But to find the quality of striker that would strengthen a top Premier League team at the moment in the world is difficult."

One of the players tipped to leave the confines of the Emirates is Andrey Arshavin with reports linking him with a move to Reading. However, Wenger played down those reports, but admitted he would be open to letting the Russian find a new club.

"No, that is not on the radar," he added. "I have not had a call from Reading.

"But if he finds a solution that is satisfying for him and for us we will consider it."

Along with Arshavin, Marouane Chamakh, Johan Djourou and Sebastian Squilacci are also expected to leave the club.