Manchester United in bid to reunite Robin van Persie with Theo Walcott

Arsenal winger could join Manchester United

Theo Walcott (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United could snatch away another of Arsenal's star assets following the summer purchase of Robin van Persie after being linked with a move for Theo Walcott.

The England winger is out of contract in the summer and is no closer to agreeing a new deal at the Emirates. The 23-year-old wants more money than is being offered as well as assurances that he will be used more as an out-and-out striker, rather than being deployed wide.

Arsene Wenger has said Walcott will not be sold in January, although passing up a fee of around £7m and allowing him to leave for free at the end of the season will not sit well with the financially conscious Gunners.

Liverpool have been the club most heavily linked with a move, but according to a report in today's Daily Mail, Manchester United are also interested. According to the report, United would be Walcott's number one choice. Such a switch would infuriate Arsenal fans, having seen Van Persie make the move to Old Trafford earlier this year.

Should Walcott join, it would see the England international strike up the devastating partnership he formed with Van Persie during their time together at Arsenal. Reuniting the pair will surely be prominent in Sir Alex Ferguson's thinking as he weighs up a move.

Earlier this week, Arsenal were linked with a £20m move for Manchester United winger Nani - raising the prospect of a swap deal.

Chelsea and Manchester City have also been linked with Walcott, although both clubs would prefer to wait until the end of the season and sign him on a free contract.