Arsene Wenger has said that he is surprised by reports that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will leave the Emirates this season and has insisted that he wants the Englishman to stay
Reports surfaced earlier this week that Oxlade-Chamberlain would seek a move away from the Emirates after growing frustrated at Arsenal. Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s match against Lincoln, Arsene Wenger has said that he is surprised by reports and feels that the Englishman must repay the faith showed in him despite his injuries..
” I haven’t seen that. I’m surprised by that because I believe that he has been developed well, he is developing well at the moment and he has been given his chance. When you are somewhere, you have to want to be there first. After that, the only thing I can say is that personally I rate him highly.”
” I showed that in the way I kept faith in him when he spent long times out injured. He’s developing very well at the moment. I personally wish that he stays at the club, because I think he’s a very promising player who has developed very well and who looks to me to have the values that we rate at this club.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain has somewhat failed to live up to the expectations he brought with him when he first arrived at the Emirates from Southampton back in 2011, in a deal that was reportedly worth up to £15 million depending on certain add-ons.
A combination of injuries and poor form have seen him in and out of the first team and despite impressing over the last few weeks, his inconsistency has meant that he has not been a regular fixture in the first team.
This has only contributed to reports that Chamberlain will leave in the summer and he has been linked with several clubs as a result. Manchester United are said to be closely monitoring his situation with a view to signing the Englishman in the summer.
United were linked with Oxlade-Chamberlain before his move to Arsenal and after missing out on Goncalo Guedes – who joined Paris Saint-Germain last month – have apparently turned their attentions to Chamberlain, for whom they are reportedly willing to pay up to £30 million.
Manchester City have also been heavily linked with a move for the 23-year old and it would not be surprising to see them attempt to sign the Arsenal midfielder this summer should he fail to sign a new contract.
City are always on the lookout for young, English players and Chamberlain is exactly that. His ability to play in multiple positions is also something that is sure to pique Guardiola’s interest, as the Spanish tactician loves to tweak his team constantly and try out players in a variety of positions.
Chamberlain has shown glimpses of promise throughout his time at Arsenal but has never been able to put together a long run of good performances due to his injuries and inconsistency. Perhaps a move would be the best thing for both parties this summer.
