By David Kent

In demand: Monaco are weighing up a stunning £34million bid for Arsenal winger Theo Walcott


French giants Monaco are considering a £34million January swoop for Arsenal star Theo Walcott.

The England forward has been sidelined with an abdominal strain and has not played since the Gunners’ 2-1 victory over Marseille in September.

But manager Arsene Wenger is unlikely to let the 24-year-old leave the club while Walcott is believed to be happy to stay at Arsenal.

Monaco, whose summer signings included Radamel Falcao and Joao Moutinho, lie second in Ligue 1, tied with Paris Saint-Germain.

Wenger will want to keep Walcott for Arsenal's own title push, which Mikel Arteta firmly believes is on.

‘When I arrived here we were in a very difficult position and we turned it around in a way that no-one ever in Premier League history has done,’ said Arteta. ‘Last year, the same thing again.

‘I don’t think that’s happened through coincidence twice in 24 months. I believe in the mental strength we have and the togetherness we have when bad moments come.

'They will come, through the season. We can’t expect to win every game.'

Sidelined: Walcott has struggled with injury of late but did score for England against Scotland at Wembley

Source: Daily Mail