Walcott keen to progress

Theo Walcott says he opted to join Arsenal due to their track record with young players.

The much-admired forward ended fevered speculation about his future by signing for The Gunners on Friday, snubbing Premiership leaders Chelsea as he left Southampton to make his name in The Premiership.

Great things are expected of Walcott, who is still just 16 and widely regarded as the most gifted player in his age group, and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was forced to part with £5 million, potentially rising to £12 million, for the lightning quick star.

Walcott's departure has angered Saints supremo Rupert Lowe, but the player himself says his main concern was finding the perfect environment to let his undoubted talents flourish.

"Well I'm very excited just to train with world class players," Walcott told Sky Sports News.

"That's what I wanted to do at a young age, progress, that's the main thing.

"I just like the youth here, they get a chance to play, it's all about my development as a youngster.

"Just to train with world class players is all I can ask for.

"Money's never been an option for me, I don't pay too much attention to that stuff, I just want to develop as a player and hopefully go on to big things."

Walcott remained modest over his immediate first team prospects, targeting a cup role despite Wenger indicating he may be fast-tracked upon his arrival at Highbury.

The youngster has drawn inevitable comparisons with Gunners captain Thierry Henry due to their similar styles, and Walcott says he hopes to progress in the same manner as the French star and prove his worth with the London side.

"They always do well in the FA Cup and the Carling Cup, all the youngsters get the chance to play and hopefully I will one day," Walcott continued.

"I'd seen some press reports on telly and just to come out of school months back to hear Arsene talking about you is unbelievable really.

"He felt Henry developed as a player, he's proving it now, he couldn't score goals when he first came here apparently - hopefully I will progress the same.

"I always want to play, I've just got to work hard in training that's the main thing.

"I've got to perform in training if I want to get into the first team."

Walcott's admiration for Henry played an important role in his decision to opt for Arsenal, and the Gunners captain even urged the 16-year-old to join him at Highbury whilst negotiations were continuing.

Now the new Arsenal hopeful has conceded that he shares elements of his game with the French star - and that he is ready to prove himself in the high-profile environment of The Premiership.

"Of course his pace, skill, finishing is amazing, he gets assists as well as a brilliant player.

"Some people try to compare me to Henry which is pretty hard to live up to but we've got a bit in common yeah.

"I've played in The Championship for over 20 games now, I've played against men and apparently it's really quick in The Championship and you get a bit more time in The Premiership.

"I've played with men so it shouldn't be a problem."

After departing the club that nurtured his talent and gave him the platform to shine, Walcott also praised Southampton and in particular midfielder Nigel Quashie.

"Nigel Quashie was the biggest influence but I need to thank all the Southampton staff, without them I wouldn't be here right now.

"Nigel always encouraged me before games and it helped me so much.

"I'll play wherever the boss tells me to play, I'm not bothered, I can play left, right or up front."