Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and his dad were guests on Goals on Sunday this weekend and they both admitted that a host of clubs had tried to sign the Ox when he was ready to leave Southampton.

Mark Chamberlain, who dealt with most of the enquiries on his son’s behalf, said, “I had a phonecall from Sir Alex.

“I think Tottenham were interested.

“Liverpool, Arsenal, Man United, Liverpool, Tottenham.

“Not bad, not bad at all.”

The Ox was then asked why he had opted to sign for Arsenal ahead of the others and his dad initially said, “I think because he’d played a lot against them in the academies he liked the way they played,” before the Ox corrected him.

“I’ve always liked Arsenal and growing up watching the way they played and the whole feel of the club, it just seemed like something I’d love to be a part of,” The Ox said.

“I think obviously, Arsene, to be part of it, he is one in the process, he seemed like he knew the most about me.

“When my dad spoke to Arsene he seemed to have a vision for me and a bit more insight into where he thought I could go and what he wanted for me.

“That was almost like the icing on the cake and then from then on it was an easy decision.”

The Ox has not enjoyed the best of times since moving to Arsenal six years ago.

Plagued by injuries which have cost him 500 days and ensured he missed over 70 games, he has not yet fulfilled the potential that convinced Arsenal to spend over £10m on him as a teenager.

He also spoke about his future and admitted that he needs to get more minutes and will take a look at things at the end of the season.