Arsenal are bracing themselves for yet another battle with Barcelona for one of their stars, as Theo Walcott has apparently caught the eye of Pep Guardiola.

Hurdle: Arsenal need to convince Walcott to sign a new deal

The Spanish boss was thought to be impressed with the winger’s match-winning display against his side during last season’s 2-1 Champions League defeat at the Emirates, and is now reportedly considering a surprise bid.

Barca are certainly not short of fleet-footed forwards, but with Alexis Sanchez and Ibrahim Afellay currently sidelined with long-term injuries, a move for Walcott may well be on the cards.

The England international will be out of contract next summer, and with no new deal currently on the table, the Gunners may be tempted to cash-in on the former Southampton man if the right offer come in.

However, Walcott has recently declared his desire to begin contract negotiations with Arsenal, and although a potential switch to the Spanish giants may turn his head, Emirates chiefs are quietly confident that a new deal can be struck.