Jamie Redknapp: Theo Walcott is on fire for Arsenal… now he needs to prove he can do this

JAMIE REDKNAPP wants to see Theo Walcott become a 20-goal-a-season man for Arsenal.

Walcott is well on course for his most prolific season with the Gunners after he bagged a brace in Saturday’s 3-2 win over Swansea.

The 27-year-old has now scored five goals in just eight top-flight appearances this term and needs 10 more to beat his current season best of 14, set in the 2012/13 campaign.

And Redknapp reckons consistency is key if Walcott is to be regarded as a truly top player, telling the Daily Mail: “Theo Walcott has found it difficult to fulfil his early promise but hopefully at 27 the penny has finally dropped.

“Over the summer Walcott must have realised he was neither fit enough nor strong enough and started working with personal trainer Bradley Simmonds. He will have done a lot of work with Theo on building his core strength and that has clearly paid off.

“Walcott has scored five goals in eight games this season — as many as he managed in each of the last three campaigns.

“He could have had five against Swansea alone but I don’t mind that he missed three great chances.

“His two goals on Saturday were scrappy and ugly and it’s those you need if you want to become a 20-goal man.

“Yes, he was disappointing for England but most of our players struggled in the World Cup qualifiers.

“He’s in the form of his life for Arsenal and now he’s got to prove he can do it for a whole season.”