Wenger looking for big things from youngster Walcott in new campaign

The 19-year-old showed signs of his great potential at the end of last season after struggling to live up to the hype when he joined from Southampton for an initial £5million in 2006.

But his manager wants more and is expecting impressive progress after giving Walcott the No 14 shirt, formerly worn by a Thierry Henry.

Wenger said: 'He made a step forward last year and I expect him to improve again. At 19, every day you can make a big improvement and we don't set any limitations.

'In what position he will play, I don't know yet. To me it looks more like it will be wide than central but I expect a lot from him this year.'

While Wenger anticipates Walcott's development, those associated with Emmanuel Adebayor are met with gritted teeth. The striker is pushing to more than double his £35,000-a-week wages.

Wenger, who insists Adebayor is staying, said: 'I fight always to get players the maximum wages but you have to respect the pay structure you have set.'

Adebayor did not play in Saturday's 2-1 win at Barnet. Kenny Gillet put the home team in front before Jay Simpson and Nacer Barazite won it for Arsenal after the break.

Arsene Wenger is looking for Theo Walcott to impress in the new season