Walcott tells Wenger that Arsenal need experience

As if Arsene Wenger wasn't under enough pressure as it is, with key stars jumping ship and Arsenal fans already disillusioned, winger Theo Walcott has taken the opportunity to make some demands of his own.

Walcott, who scored Arsenal's only goal in the first-leg victory over Udinese in the Champions League play-off earlier this week, told the Frenchman that experience must be bought to the Emirates before the transfer window slams shut at the end of this month.

"I was the oldest on my table at Newcastle at dinner," he said, referring to the Gunners' Premier League opener up north last weekend. "I was 22 and I was the oldest. It was quite funny, but it is important to have a mixture of experienced and young players. The boss knows what he is doing. He has picked out great players – we didn't know where they came from – before, so only time will tell what he is going to do."

Walcott continued: "This team has always been known for being so young but we cannot use that excuse anymore. We need to win something and that's the most important thing."

Despite his youth, Walcott now sees himself as one of Arsenal's senior players, having joined the club back in January 2006. As such, the England flyer feels it is time Wenger played him in his desired position: striker.

"I would like to put it out there that I would like to play up front," Walcott said. "The boss has always promised me I will get a chance to play up front, so it's been six years and if I just keep on scoring and doing well, I'll maybe get a chance up front with Robin. I'm not demanding anything, but I'm giving the boss something to think about."

Unfortunately for Walcott, Wenger already has plenty to think about. The Arsenal manager faces punishment after Uefa decided his phone communication with assistant manager Pat Rice during this week's European fixture against Udinese contravened the touchline ban he was serving. He also must deal with a squad already ravaged by injury and suspension.

Worst of all, Wenger is coming to terms with the fact that Samir Nasri is on the verge of departure to Manchester City. Back in early July, the Frenchman dismissed the idea of both Fabregas and Nasri leaving Arsenal, stating that if it happened "you cannot convince people that you are ambitious". Wenger now has a lot of convincing to do if he is to steady Arsenal's boat after a turbulent summer break. ·