While many shrugged off initial reports that Liverpool want to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer, the rumour refuses to die.

• Ox has made just 13 Premier League starts this season
• Midfielder said to be unsettled at Arsenal
• Jurgen Klopp is long-time admirer of Ox
• Arsenal keen to tie 23-year-old down to new deal ASAP

Arsenal are allegedly set to open talks with the Ox regarding a contract extension very soon.

His current deal runs out next year and with Liverpool reportedly keen on swooping in and even paying Arsenal’s £35m asking price this summer, it seems the Gunners have decided to tie their man down.

While many ignored the rumours that Liverpool were interested in signing the player, especially for that amount, the reports continue to run and run.

According to Squawka, Arsenal’s priority so far has been extending Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil’s deals since their contracts also run out in June 2018. While doing so, they’ve neglected other players, including the Ox, who Arsene Wenger recently confirmed the club are eager to keep hold of.

“I personally think it is vital that Chamberlain stays at Arsenal,” Wenger said to Arsenal’s official website.

“We bought him when he was very young, we have built him up and I think he has a great mentality and a good football brain. It would be a big damage for us to lose this kind of player.”