Arsene Wenger hints at striker role for Alexis Sanchez as Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott return for Manchester City clash

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger could move Alexis Sanchez to the front of his attack to accommodate the returning Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil against Manchester City.

Sanchez, 26, has been in stunning this season, operating from a wider position and contributing 12 goals and seven assists in his maiden season in English football.

The returns of Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil could provide further ammunition for the Chile international and Wenger admits he is toying with the idea of moving the former Barcelona star further forward in the place of Olivier Giroud at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

"It is possible, he is a player who can play through the middle – but not the way Giroud plays, but because of his mobility," Wenger told reporters.

"His two assets are the quality of his runs and his reception of the ball. He gets into areas where you can find him. When he gets the ball short he can run at people. But he can also play further forward because of the timing of his runs.

"He is one of the fastest to adapt to the Premier League. I believe it is because he feels accepted by the other players and feels he is an important player."

Ozil made his return off the bench in the 3-0 win over Stoke City on 11 January having missed the last three months of the season with a knee injury.

In the Germany international's absence, Santi Cazorla has occupied the no. 10 position where he has excelled, scoring four goals in December while winning the club's player of the month award.

His form is likely to provide Wenger with another selection dilemma with Cazorla relishing his central role.

"I have more space [in the middle], more possibilities to score and assist, and I like this position very much. I always can help the team and I love when I play in the middle," he said to Arsenal's official website.