Walcott rules out loan exit

Arsenal forward will fight for place

By Rob Parrish   Last updated: 31st January 2008

Walcott rules out loan exit

Walcott: Arsenal vow

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Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has no interest in leaving Emirates Stadium on loan and is determined to fight for a regular place.

The teenage forward is yet to make a real impact for the Gunners following his move from Southampton two years ago.

Walcott, famously selected for the 2006 World Cup by Sven Goran Eriksson before not seeing a single minute of action, feels his game is developing simply by training alongside the Gunners' star names.

Benefit

He said: "I don't think there's any reason for me to go out on loan. Arsenal is a fantastic club. I just want to stay and show what I can do."

"Every day I play at Arsenal, I train with some of the best players in the world.

"My game is obviously going to benefit most from being around these people. With respect to other clubs, that is not going to happen anywhere else.

"That's why I want to push myself every day with Arsenal and try to get into the first team as often as I possibly can."

Striker

Walcott, who has often been used as a winger, admitted he was frustrated not to get more chances as a central striker but has no worries about his long-term role.

"It has been frustrating not to be playing up front, as I believe I will end up as a striker. The boss seems to think that way, too."