Arsene Wenger has played down talk of a mid-season exit for Theo Walcott and expects the forward to earn a regular starting spot in the Arsenal side once he regains full fitness.

Walcott was again linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium earlier this week after struggling for playing time in the Premier League.

The 28-year-old, a part of the Arsenal fold since 2006, is said to have been offered a route out of North London by near neighbours West Ham United and big-spending Everton.

Despite recovering from a virus, Walcott was not among the subs against Manchester United on Sunday and is now being used almost exclusively in the Europa League.

Asked if he would keep the Englishman in January, however, Wenger said: "Yes. He works hard to come back - he had a sickness a few weeks ago - and after I didn't change the squad. In training he looks sharp and he will show that."

Walcott is Arsenal's longest-serving player, but he is due to see his current contract expire at the end of next season.