Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that the transformation of Theo Walcott in his six-and-half-year spell at the club has been "absolutely sensational ".

The 23-year-old has been in prolific goal-scoring form this season despite still being asked to play in the wide areas in the vast majority of games. He has already fired 18 goals in all competitions and has seemingly improved multiple aspects of his game.

Theo Walcott
Theo Walcott celebrates after scoring against West Ham [Reuters]

His early season form was made even more remarkable as his future hung in the balance right up until January when he finally agreed terms on a new contract.

Walcott made his 250<sup>th appearance for Arsenal in the 1-0 win over Sunderland and has begun to make it almost impossible for Wenger to leave him out of the starting XI.

He has already made 30 appearances in all competitions this season and Wenger has reserved special praise for the England international.

"It's unbelievable. I believe what this season shows is the remarkable evolution of Theo Walcott," Wenger told the official Arsenal website.

"He's a complete player today and his transformation is absolutely sensational.

"He improves every week and it shows that he is remarkably intelligent as well, because he understands things quickly, takes them on board and is open-minded. That's why I believe he is always improving."

Walcott appears to have come of age in the last few seasons as shown by his 24 goals and 19 assists in all competitions.

However, it is this campaign which has really highlighted how important Walcott has now become to this Arsenal side which can no longer rely on the goals of Robin van Persie.

With Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski both still adjusting to the Premier League, Walcott has taken plenty of pressure off the two summer signings and will be hoping his excellent form continues as Arsenal look to secure yet another top four finish.