Wenger: Walcott a deadly finisher now

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes Theo Walcott has developed into a lethal finisher since joining the club from Southampton in 2006.

The 26-year-old joined the Gunners as a highly-rated 16-year-old in a £12 million deal exactly 10 years ago on Wednesday.

And Wenger was full of praise for the England international and believes his finishing ability has improved tenfold since he arrived in the capital.

"Theo is very intelligent. He always had pace and his movement off the ball was always perfect. I think he is much more conscious of teamwork and he has improved as well in his finishing," Wenger told the club's official website.

"He is absolutely deadly compared to 10 years ago. He needed many chances to score a goal and he can finish very well. His final ball and his technique are much better.

"Ten years here, that shows as well that he loves Arsenal and I'm convinced he will give us much more in the next five years than the last five because he is a player who is always moving forward and trying to do better. He has a very positive attitude.

"A player like him is very difficult to find and Theo's movement off the ball and intelligence is really his brand and [are part of his] characteristics."