In August, Ferguson signed Dutch forward Robin van Persie from the Gunners in a 24-million-pound move.

And the signing of van Persie has been a big success for the Old Trafford outfit, with the striker having already scored 14 goals in all competitions this season.

Theo Walcott could be the latest attacker to switch North London for Manchester, with the 23-year-old's contract at Arsenal set to expire at the end of season.

Arsenal's reported wage offer of 75,000 pounds per week was rejected by Walcott and they are yet to submit a fresh contract.

Walcott - who has netted 10 goals this season - has expressed a desire to play as a regular striker, an opportunity he has not been afforded regularly at Arsenal.

Liverpool have been keeping tabs on the situation for some time, with Atletico Madrid and Juventus also believed to be interested in signing Walcott.

But with Manchester United set to enter the race to sign the former Southampton man, Arsenal could be forced to sell their man in January just to get some sort of transfer fee.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been linked with transfer move for Manchester United winger Nani, Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha and West Ham's Mohammed Diame in the press recently.