Theo Walcott remains hopeful Arsenal will sign a new striker before the January transfer window slams shut. The Gunners have made a move for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins this week but their Premier League rivals have rebuffed an opening bid. England striker Watkins is understood to be keen on a move to the club he supported as a boy but Unai Emery remains adamant that the 29-year-old will not be sold, especially in light of Jhon Duran’s shock departure.

It remains to be seen whether or not Arsenal test the waters with a second bid but Walcott has suggested an alternative target it Ipswich’s Liam Delap. The 21-year-old joined the Tractor Boys in the summer from Manchester City and has impressed with his combative style and goalscoring instincts that have seen him hit the back of the net on eight occasions so far. Arsenal have also been linked with a loan move for Brighton’s Evan Ferguson, but Walcott believes Delap, who is high on Chelsea’s wanted list,would represent a smarter piece of business.

Speaking as Guinness announce their new #TransferThatPint campaign, Walcott voiced concerns about a potential move for Ferguson, saying: ‘I think he’s a good player. He’s had a bit of an injury and found it hard to get back in which is understandable. ‘Brighton are quite a steady solid team and the players he’s brought in from Watford, Joao Pedro, has come in and actually gone ahead of him.

‘He’ll be a player for me if they couldn’t get their main target, it’s a good option to have, knowing maybe you could resell him at some point. ‘I think he’d have to accept that he wouldn’t be a starter.’. On Delap’s credentials, he added: ‘I think they would look more at Liam Delap before Ferguson, because of what he’s done up until now. And they have similar attributes, their style of the play.

‘I wouldn’t shy against it, because it’s different. And you look at Arsenal’s set pieces and it’s another player of stature to think about it. It’s another dynamic. ‘I wouldn’t be against anything like that. They do need a natural number nine. There are not many natural number nines. ‘And it’s not going to be £60/80 million for Ferguson, no disrespect. ‘But there’s potential there and Mikel has that reputation for working with young players. He’s working with Ethan Nwaneri right now.

‘I wouldn’t be against it if they don’t get their main target. Not a stopgap, that sounds awful, but while they wait for their main number nine.’. Arrow MORE: Arsenal block star from leaving before January transfer deadline despite summer agreement. Arrow MORE: Ange Postecoglou admits Radu Dragusin injury ‘didn’t look good’ in latest Spurs blow. Arrow MORE: Aston Villa confirm interest in January transfer deal for Chelsea star.