In his latest press conference, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insisted Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would not be sold, contrary to reports he could leave for Chelsea.
Wenger again says Oxlade-Chamberlain will not be sold "I want him to stay here for a long time." #AFC
— Mark Mann-Bryans (@MarkyMBryans) August 16, 2017
24-year-old has been linked to Liverpool and Chelsea this summer, so far rejecting a contract extension with the Gunners, with his current deal expiring in less than 12 months. A lack of league starts and a fixed position have been mentioned as potential reasons for his discontentment at Arsenal, but the club have said he won’t be sold.
Arsenal are keen to keep him regardless, in the hope of agreeing terms to a deal sometime in 2017/18. Wenger praised the former Southampton man, suggesting Oxlade-Chamberlain has the potential to be a real heavyweight in England, even if he’s no longer in an Arsenal shirt.
Ox will be "the English player in the next two years that a lot of people look at." #AFC
— Mark Mann-Bryans (@MarkyMBryans) August 16, 2017
The 24-year-old made 16 Premier League starts for Arsenal last season, featuring as a fullback, wingback, central midfielder and a winger. He deputised for Hector Bellerin in the second-half of last season before featuring on the left this summer. But he wants a regular spot where he feels most effective, I believe, which is why he won’t commit his future to Arsenal.