Walcott targets September comeback as Arsenal search for new striker

Theo Walcott has been pencilled in to return to first-team training in September after undergoing surgery on his knee at the start of the year.

Walcott suffered the injury late in the 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in January and he left the field on a stretcher after appearing to jar his knee in a challenge with Danny Rose.

25-year-old Walcott, who has been capped 36 times by England, missed two months of last season with an abdominal injury and had looked in great form since returning, scoring five goals in five games before the aforementioned north London derby.

The England international’s team-mate, Abou Diaby, tore his cruciate ligament, also in his left knee, in March 2013 and has also been given a training programme to maintain his fitness ahead of pre-season.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s search for a striker will continue while manager Arsene Wenger fulfils his commentary duties for French TV station TF1 at the World Cup in Brazil.

The Gunners boss is expected to use the month-long trip as a scouting mission and has already identified several targets who will are capable of partnering Olivier Giroud upfront next season.

Former Arsenal striker Carlos Vela has been the subject of preliminary negotiations over a potential move due to a buy-back clause being inserted in his contract, but the Mexican frontman is keen on staying with La Liga side Real Sociedad.