Despite previously claiming that Arsenal are currently trying to tie Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain down to a new deal, Arsene Wenger doesn’t seem all that convinced he will stay.

Now that the 23-year-old has managed to stay fit and get some minutes under his belt, he appears to finally be approaching the sort of form we knew he was capable of. He’s scored six goals and assisted the same amount in all competitions so far.

However, the winger’s contract runs out in 2018, the same as Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud’s, and while Wenger says he wants the Ox to stay at the club, you can understand why he might decide not to.

“I want Oxlade-Chamberlain to stay at the club,” Wenger said ahead of our trip to Goodison Park.

“I bought him at a very young age and I think he is developing well.

“This season he is making steps, he is moving forward and overall when you invest so much time and work and the player has as well [you want him to stay]. I think the player loves it here. He is integrated with the qualities we want him to have and overall I want him to stay.”

While the Ox is getting more game time this season, if he was to sign for another team, say West Ham, he could start week in, week out.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Oxlade-Chamberlain was a constant threat, making driving runs from midfield and continuously remaining a nuisance for Stoke’s backline to isolate. (Photo: Getty Images)

At 23, Alex is getting to the age where he really needs to be at least approaching his peak. It’s whether the player sees himself doing that at Arsenal or not that’s the question.