Arsene Wenger has conceded that he does not know if Theo Walcott will start next season as an Arsenal player.

The 27-year-old's future at the Emirates Stadium has been the subject of much speculation recently, with one report having claimed that he was keen to move on in order to gain more regular match action.

That is because the attacker has not started a Premier League game since the end of February, having fallen behind the fit-again Danny Welbeck and youngster Alex Iwobi in the pecking order.

Asked for an update on the England international's situation, Wenger refused to confirm that he will be part of his plans for 2016-17.

"I don't know yet. I'm not in transfer mode at the moment but I think he has gone through a bad spell," the Frenchman told reporters.

"He has responded very well, because he said, 'OK, I will work harder and more.' When he comes on now, you see he is motivated and focused. Let's see how well he finishes the season."

Walcott, who joined the Gunners as a teenager in 2006, has scored five Premier League goals this term.