Arsene Wenger was asked about Chelsea’s reported £25m bid for midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in today’s press conference.
The Premier League defending champions have been heavily linked with Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has yet to sign a contract extension at Arsenal.
There has been talk of Chelsea making a £25m bid for the 23-year-old, who could provide them cover in multiple positions and add to their quota of home-grown players. When asked about the interest in today’s press conference, Wenger didn’t directly answer the question, and instead heaped praise on the player.
“I think he had in his career some bad moments with small injuries,” Wenger said, as reported by the Express. “Last year he was much more stable. I think he is hugely talented and is on the way up. The potential is there. “He is very conscious of his quality. I believe he will be a very great player.”
The England international is one of the players that Arsenal don’t want to sell this summer. With Arsene Wenger changing formations, the Ox’s versatility and ability to play as a wing-back on either side has been very important. He played left wing-back against Chelsea in Sunday’s Community Shield victory after playing on the right towards the end of last season.
Arsenal have offered him a new contract, but he has reportedly rejected it for a variety of reasons. Some believe that he’s concerned about first-team football, while others feel it’s down to his position in the team. Whatever it is, Arsenal absolutely will not want to sell him to Chelsea.