Arsenal forward Theo Walcott believes manager Arsene Wenger is building a side capable of ending the club's eight-year trophy drought.

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"We want to make history and that's going to start on Sunday"

Theo Walcott

The Gunners are fifth in the Premier League, out of both domestic cups and trail Bayern Munich 3-1 going into the Champions League last 16 second leg.

But asked on Football Focus if they can win trophies in the near future, Walcott said: "Yes, definitely.

"There is potential in this team and you have to realise that."

Wenger's position has been under scrutiny after the Gunners went out of the Carling Cup to Bradford, the FA Cup to Blackburn and were beaten at home by Bayern.

The Gunners take on third-placed Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday as the tussle for Champions League places hots up.

Bale v Walcott

Bale Walcott

All stats courtesy of Opta

23

Appearances

23

2,024

Minutes played

1,576

15

Goals

11

135

Minutes per goal

143

90

Total shots

47

57%

Accuracy

60%

17%

Goals-to-shots

23%

1

Assists

8

56

Chances created (inc. assists)

30

78%

Pass completion

83%

111

Dribbles

81

45%

Dribble completion

46%

Walcott, who will be up against his former Southampton team-mate Gareth Bale, wants the Gunners to use the game as a springboard towards Champions League qualification and a tilt at a trophy next season.

"We want to make history and that's going to start on Sunday because it's big test for us all," said Walcott.

Walcott ended months of speculation in January by signing a new three-and-a-half-year contract worth £100,000 a week.

Despite the lengthy negotiation process, Walcott says he never considered joining another club.

"I always believed I wanted to be here - it's about having the right opportunity and time to do it," he said.

"The four weeks before [signing the contract] were the toughest in my whole career. I was slightly off my game.

"It's never about money for me. At the start of the season I was not playing at all, you want to believe the club and manager want you. It was never about money. It needs to be right and I'm happy it's sorted."

Walcott, who has scored 18 goals in all competitions this season, denied he requested a clause in his contract stipulating that he must be played as a central striker.

"It was important for me to have more opportunities up front, which has been happening lately, but I know it is not always going to happen."