Tag Archives: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

3 To Stay, 3 To Sell: What Arsenal Need To Do With 6 Transfer-Linked Men

Josh Challies July 12, 2017

Arsenal have spent their summer so far focusing on incoming transfer business but that’s likely to change in the coming weeks, with the Gunners seeing a wealth of interest in numerous players within their squad.

Arsene Wenger is very much determined to see any departures from the squad decided on his terms but interest from top sides from within the Premier League and from elsewhere in Europe may make things difficult for the Gunners.

Despite signing Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac, the success of Arsenal’s transfer window hinges on whether outgoing deals are also good for the Gunners, or whether they’ll be forced to take a few steps back following big losses.

Here, we’ve assessed the futures of six core members of Arsenal’s first-team squad and given a decisive verdict on whether the Gunners should keep them in North London or approve a sale.

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Stay: Olivier Giroud

The French striker’s future has been cast into doubt following Arsenal’s club-record signing of Alexandre Lacazette and the likes of Everton, Marseille and West Ham have been attributed with interest in the services of the 30-year-old.

However, despite the signing of Lacazette, Arsenal are still quite short of striking options and Olivier Giroud is a key part of their side- particularly as he presents a quality alternative for Arsene Wenger’s side, which will be crucial in Arsenal’s involvement in the Europa League next season.

Giroud showed his worth off the bench in the FA Cup final with a superb assist for Aaron Ramsey’s winning goal and his competition for football with compatriot Lacazette could bring the best out of both strikers.

3-4-2-1: The Experimental XI Arsenal Should Select For Their Pre-Season Tour

Josh Challies July 11, 2017

Premier League football is just over a month away from returning to our screens and sides from England’s top-flight are preparing for the new campaign, as they jet off around the world.

Arsenal took to the skies last night to head to Sydney, where they’ll play their first of four pre-season fixtures in Australia and China on Thursday, selecting a 25-man squad that was full of stars, players with a point to prove and youngsters ready to make an impact.

There’s notable absences from the squad with the likes of Rob Holding, Alexis Sanchez, Shkodran Mustafi and Hector Bellerin earning extended breaks following their involvement in international competitions this summer and that means there’s plenty of places up for grabs.

As usual for a pre-season challenge, Arsene Wenger will rotate his options and try out new things- so we’ve selected an experimental XI that could help the Gunners boast a competitive squad next season.

GK: Emiliano Martinez

Whilst David Ospina made the squad for Arsenal’s pre-season tour, the Colombian stopper continues to be heavily linked with an exit and the Gunners may have Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as their second-choice stopper behind Petr Cech next season.

Arsenal have rotated their ranks between the sticks in recent years, with the Gunners likely to select their second-choice stopper for the Europa League and cup campaigns next season, so experience for Martinez is valuable ahead of those challenges.

4 Home-Grown Players Who Could Follow Walker to Man City This Summer

Josh Challies May 3, 2017

Manchester City’s debut campaign under Pep Guardiola is set to end without a trophy, which is increasing the pressure upon the former Bayern Munich boss to invest heavily this summer.

Guardiola is set to oversee a major reshuffle in his squad, as he replaces players who aren’t cut out for the challenge and looks to replace the ageing guard- which includes his array of full-backs, which has led to the Citizens eyeing big recruits in this area.

Tottenham Hotspur ace Kyle Walker is reported to be the priority signing for Guardiola this summer, who’s understood to be eyeing home-grown talents to add to his squad as the Citizens look to battle up the Premier League standings.

British players come at a premium price this days but City can certainly afford to pay what’s necessary and we’ve identified four more home-grown players that could follow Walker to the Etihad Stadium.

Jordan Pickford

The England international is one of few Sunderland players who can hold their head high following the club’s relegation to the Championship and Pickford is more than likely going to be on the move this summer, as he battles for the number one jersey in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

With Joe Hart set to be ousted and summer-signing Claudio Bravo struggling, Pep Guardiola’s side have been linked to signing a new goalkeeper and Pickford could be the perfect fit for the Citizens as he’s young, homegrown and should be relatively easy to capture.

3-4-2-1: How A New Tactical Set-Up Could Look At Arsenal Next Year

Josh Challies April 18, 2017

Arsene Wenger surprised everybody with his team selection for the Middlesbrough game, as the man often describe as stubborn and a tactical dinosaur made major changes to his side and altered his formation majorly.

For the first time in two decades, Arsenal adopted a make-shift three-man defensive line consisting of Laurent Koscielny, Gabriel Paulista and Rob Holding, utilising Nacho Monreal and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as wing backs.

Whilst there were some defensive frailties shown, the likes of Oxlade-Chamberlain, Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil performed well, leading some to suggest that the Gunners to adopt this formation more regularly in the future.

It certainly needs some work but Chelsea have shown this season that a three-man defence can work well, whilst Juventus have demonstrated similarly on the continent as they push for success in the Champions League.

With a few tweaks and summer additions, Arsenal’s new-look XI could launch an impressive assault for glory next season and it could work whether Arsene Wenger or someone else is in charge.

GK: Jordan Pickford

Arsenal are reportedly looking to shake up their options between the sticks this summer, with Petr Cech failing to impress, and not getting any younger, whilst David Ospina seems increasingly likely to leave the Emirates Stadium in the summer.

Wojciech Szczesny is also likely to leave, having spent two successful seasons on-loan with Roma, and Jordan Pickford has been identified as the ideal target- and he could excel in North London, developing into the Gunners first-choice stopper and learning from the extremely experienced Cech.

3 Premier League Stars That Could Follow Oxlade-Chamberlain To Liverpool

Josh Challies April 12, 2017

Liverpool have been linked with a huge swoop for Arsenal ace Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer but he may not be the only Premier League player the Reds sign. Here, we’ve identified three top-flight players who could join the England international at Anfield.

Virgil Van Dijk

The Southampton defender has earned a stellar reputation for the Saints this season and is tipped with a high-profile move in the summer, with a wealth of top-tier clubs looking to land his services; including Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.

The Reds, of course, have a strong history of transfer dealings with the Saints in recent years and could bring the Dutchman in to partner another former Southampton man, Dejan Lovren. Whilst he’d be an expensive recruit, he’s certainly affordable.

RVP All Over Again? Fans React As Arsenal Stars Are Linked With Chelsea & Manchester United Transfers

Oli Price-Bates March 30, 2017

Arsenal may have to face another summer of key players leaving this year as Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez continue to be linked with an exit.

The worst thing possible would be to see another key Arsenal player go to Manchester United - following in the footsteps of Robin van Persie. That was heartbreaking for every Arsenal fan and to see something similar happen again with Ozil would just really make the club seem 2nd rate.

Ozil, whilst not in his best form at the moment, is a world class player and the Gunners cannot afford to let go of him as they lack players of that calibre throughout the squad. Wenger, or whoever the manager is next season, needs to keep Ozil and restructure the team to make them play in a way that gets the best out of Mesut and the club’s other key players.

Also linked with a move to a Premier League rival is Alexis Sanchez. The little Chilean has stirred the rumour cauldron by suggesting that he wanted to remain in London, but ‘play for winners’. That seemed to be a dig at Arsenal, by suggesting they were not winners, but also a nod to Chelsea to suggest that he would like to play for them.

The quotes from Alexis come exactly a day after the Guardian reported that he is Antonio Conte and Chelsea’s number one transfer target for the summer. Arsene Wenger would surely be very reluctant to sell to a Premier League rival, but it appears that the player may force a move.

Here’s some reaction to the Alexis rumours…

With the likes of PSG, Bayern Munich and Juventus interested in the duo, Arsenal need to ensure they sell abroad rather than letting their stars join Premier League rivals. Letting either Ozil go to Manchester United or Alexis go to Chelsea would be terrible for Arsene Wenger’s reputation and Arsenal globally as a football club. The Gunners currently look a level below the rest of the playing field and letting their best players join Premier League rival surely just cements that status.

Did The Gunners Create Their Own Problems In 3-1 Defeat vs. Chelsea?

Patrick Ribeiro February 4, 2017

Everyone knew Chelsea’s reception of the Gunners would be a tricky one for Arsenal to come out victorious from at Stamford Bridge, a ground the north Londoners had tasted success just once since 2011.

Arsène Wenger’s conundrum began to find its form when Granit Xhaka was shown a red card in the hard-earned 2-1 victory at home to Burnley, a dismissal reciprocated by a then furious Arsenal boss en route to the pair grabbing themselves four-game bans.

That might not have meant a great deal with a cup-tie versus Southampton and a supposedly low-risk clash at home to an off-tune Watford side awaiting the title hopefuls, but it did leave Arsenal at a clear disadvantage against Chelsea in the following fixture.

The trip to the St. Mary’s Stadium proved to be a success, as the Saints also chopped and changed in the fourth round of the FA Cup, but the Gunners’ incompatibilities in midfield were clear versus Watford.

Xhaka-less, whereas Mohamed Elneny was representing his country in the Africa Cup of Nations, Wenger turned to an Aaron Ramsey and Francis Coquelin pairing against the Hornets, a duo that was bypassed with ease and dismembered within 20 minutes via the former’s injury, enough time to leave Arsenal 2-0 down already.

This all conditioned the Gunners’ hand at Stamford Bridge, without key components in midfield, now including Ramsey, and with the added woe of apparent knocks being carried by Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain and Coquelin, the pivot that would be backed against the West London outfit.

With a deep-seated crisis in the middle of the park, Arsenal were tasked with defeating the title favourites, of which the luck with injuries has seen the Blues necessitate to extend their starting XI to no more than 13 players – Quite the contrast.

But even under less than favourable circumstances, the Gunners might well have managed to worsen their chances of withholding success against Antonio Conte’s side.

Wenger opted for a relatively untried Chamberlain – Coquelin pivot, both, as mentioned, reportedly carrying knocks, to set up a two vs. two against Nemanja Matic and the ever-impressive N’Golo Kanté.

The results proved to be obvious, as the Chelsea pair, subsidised by the club’s wing backs, took control in the moments before Marcos Alonso’s opener and, later, took advantage of Arsenal’s middlemen’s physical limitations through counter-attacks.

All facts considered, domination by Kanté and co. was predictable, but the north Londoners might well have made their own bed when fielding just the two central midfielders.

With both Chamberlain and Coquelin failing to transport the ball to the likes of Mesut Özil, the midfield pair were contrarily left to fend for themselves defensively due to the German’s tendencies to not track back.

The same scenario has repeated from time-to-time with a tried and tested side, making Arsenal’s 4-2-3-1 look more like a 4-2-4 and highly-susceptible to counter-attacks - a dangerous set-up versus a team of Chelsea’s ilk.

A change many ‘Gooners’ have called for is a transition to a 4-3-3 set-up, pushing Özil into a forward role instead, and it’s a formation that could have been debuted against the Premier League leaders even with limited options.

On the bench sat Ainsley Maitland-Niles, a wide man by trade, but one that has excelled in a central role on more than one occasion. Could the energetic youngster not have added something this Saturday? With Chamberlain and Coquelin supposedly not in peak condition, how could you not turn to an extra body for help?

Today will go down as a missed opportunity for Wenger and his men to have closed the gap on their title rivals, and in Maitland-Niles’ addition they may have discarded their only hope of being disciplined enough to do so.

‘He Was Unreal’ Fans On Twitter Heap Praise On Arsenal Midfielder After Performance vs. Southampton

Oli Price-Bates January 29, 2017

Arsenal cruised to a 5-0 victory in the FA Cup on Saturday, helping Wenger’s men again reach the final 16 of the competition. There were several brilliant performers on the night but one midfielder really stood out.

With Mohammed Elneny at the African Cup of Nations and injury concerns with Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey and Francis Coquelin, Arsene Wenger was stuck for options at the base of his midfield for Saturday’s FA Cup tie. He opted with the inexperienced Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who impressed, but alongside him Wenger selected the man of the match, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Ox has seriously struggled to impress for the Gunners on the wing since he arrived, and his progression has been terrible to say the least.

But his performance in the middle of the park on Saturday was enough to give encouragement for his future. Perhaps he should be developed in this position and with the Gunners lacking options currently, now could be a good time to let him progress in that position.

The Ox was dynamic in midfield, showing quality both offensively and defensively with his energy and passing range particular highlights from his performance. Although he didn’t score, the Ox was the best player on the pitch without a shadow of a doubt and Arsene must’ve been incredibly pleased watching on from the stands.

Here’s how some of the fans reacted to The Ox’s performance on Twitter.

Personally I had pretty much given up all hope of Chamberlain succeeding at Arsenal. With just over a year left on his contract, I couldn’t see him realising his potential at the club. I still have serious doubts but this performance is enough to bide him more time. He now deserves a run in the team in central midfield, his performance was certainly more impressive than someone like Aaron Ramsey’s has been of late. With Santi Cazorla out, Chamberlain could make that box-to-box role his own and finally show his ability.

Player Ratings: Southampton 0-5 Arsenal - Rotated Arsenal Midfield Excels

Patrick Ribeiro January 29, 2017

These are Fresh Football’s player ratings for Arsenal’s 5-0 victory away to Southampton in Saturday night’s fourth round tie of the FA Cup:

Southampton

Harry Lewis – 5

A little helpless up against Arsenal’s attacking force, but the young goalkeeper won’t be satisfied with himself after a portion of the goals he conceded.

Cuco Martina - 5.5

Produced a quality opportunity for Shane Long to pull a goal back for Southampton, but, moreover, struggled with the inspired Danny Welbeck on the night.

Florian Gardos – 5

Back after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, the defender had his work cut out against the pace and creativity of Welbeck, Lucas Perez and Theo Walcott.

Jack Stephens – 5

Much like Gardos, Stephens always looked second best against Arsenal’s on-song attack.

Sam McQueen – 5.5

Sam McQueen was another who struggled greatly with the pace of the Gunners’ attacking transitions, with Walcott and Hector Bellerin both marauding down his flank.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg – 6

Perhaps Southampton’s best on the night, despite struggling to place his stamp on the game, but the former Bayern Munich hotshot did threaten Arsenal’s goal on occasions.

Harrison Reed – 5

The Southampton academy graduate was totally dominated and ineffectual versus his midfield counterparts.

Jordy Clasie – 5

Along with Reed, the ex-Feyenoord star looked dwarfed versus a newly-constructed Arsenal midfield, which will stand as a great disappointment to Claude Puel’s side given the vast first-team experience the 25-year-old has to his name.

Josh Sims – 6

The 19-year-old was in and around a handful of Southampton attacking phases, but lacked a bit of finesse when called upon.

Lloyd Isgrove – 5

The wide man looked lively in pressing and causing the Arsenal defence into decisions, but didn’t see enough of the ball to make a noteworthy impact.

Shane Long – 5.5

Feeding off scraps, Long was reduced to just one half-chance versus David Ospina, which was dealt with by the Colombia international.

Subs:

Dusan Tadic – 5

The Saints turned to one of their key performers to salvage something from the game in the 64th minute, but the tide was too much for the Serbian to overcome.

Nathan Redmond – 5

Another who Puel had hoped for inspiration, as his side sunk to a 5-0 defeat.

Arsenal

David Ospina - 5.5

The erratic goalkeeper offered a few scares and miscalculations, but with a clean sheet to his name, it’s one to brush off for the moment.

Hector Bellerin – 6

The Spaniard wasn’t short of opportunities to lay down the marker on the flanks, but lacked that final pass on the night.

Shkodran Mustafi – 7

The leader in the heart of defence, Mustafi dealt with much of the defensive confusion which, at times, threatened to blemish a standout performance by the collective.

Rob Holding – 6.5

Covering for Laurent Koscielny, Holding did well against Long and co. throughout the game.

Kieran Gibbs – 6

Solid, but unspectacular stuff from the Arsenal full back, considering the Gunners’ dominance.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 8.5

Often deployed on the flanks, Wenger trusted the young prospect in the defensive midfield position this time around and his versatility didn’t disappoint, eating up possession alongside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 9

A lot has been made of Chamberlain’s potential transition into the centre of midfield over the years, and versus his ex-club the Englishman was given the chance to showcase his capabilities. Arsenal fans will now be keen to see more of the explosive star after a man of the match performance.

Jeff Reine-Adelaide – 7.5

Another future prospect thrown into the XI by Wenger, excelling in and around the Southampton area with his playmaking prowess.

Theo Walcott – 8

In the correct place at the right time, as Walcott walked away from his old home with a hat-trick.

Danny Welbeck – 8.5

In his first start of the season, Welbeck took much of the plaudits with a breath-taking first-half performance, topped with two goals and an assist, before making way for Alexis Sanchez in the second period.

Lucas Perez – 7.5

The Spaniard looked typically impressive in combination with Arsenal’s attacking components, with only a goal for the striker evading his great showing.

Subs:

Alexis Sanchez – 7

Came into the game hungry and landed himself two assists in the process, after little more than 25 minutes on the pitch.

Alex Iwobi – N/A

Liverpool Linked With Signing Arsenal Star In January, Why He’d Be A Good Addition

Chris Baker December 30, 2016

Liverpool Football Club are reportedly considering a very ambitious move this winter with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain topping their wish list with the January transfer on the horizon.

Jürgen Klopp has identified the England international as an ideal addition to his red-hot squad and sees Chamberlain as an ideal temporary replacement for Sadio Mané, who is set to leave Liverpool in January to link up with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations. According to The Telegraph, the Reds are considering a bid.

Chamberlain has just 18 months left on his current Arsenal contract and there has been no sign of contract negotiations beginning despite Arsene Wenger insisting he wants the 23-year-old versatile midfielder to sign a new deal and extend his stay with the Gunners.

And according to the Telegraph, Chamberlain has been told very positive things about Jurgen Klopp with England compatriots Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson singing his praises whilst away on England duties.

Arsenal, who have many players with just 18 months left on their contract find themselves in a very sticky position regarding the Ox, they could sell this winter for a fee of around £25 million or risk him not renewing his contract and losing him for free next summer, something the Gunners will be reluctant to let happen.

There is plenty of evidence to show why Klopp is chasing the England man who is also being scouted by the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City extensively with contract talks yet to take place. Chamberlain has also scored six goals and provided six assists thus far this season, being his best yet for the club.

But, there is growing frustration from Chamberlain’s side, wanting to seek more regular game time, with himself admitting it is frustrating to continuously be subbed off after the hour mark.

Chamberlain said; “There is that in my mind that I do want to get more game time. There comes a time in your career where you have to re-evaluate things and think, ‘Is that going to be here or elsewhere?’ which is a clear warning to the Arsenal manager.

Liverpool lose their star summer signing Mané in the next week to due international commitments, and as they stand just six points behind Chelsea, they may feel a signing of Chamberlain’s calibre will help them push on to catch and hopefully overtake Chelsea.

The Reds managed to deal with the absence of Philippe Coutinho who is due back imminently, but heading into the crucial part of the season they cannot afford to lose the goals which Mané provides without having a ready-made star to take his slot.

Chamberlain’s versatility is a key attraction to Liverpool, with him having the ability to deploy many midfield positions including on either flank or in an attacking or defensive midfield role with all positions being tested with the Gunners, but yet able to cement a place.

A deal between Arsenal and Liverpool will be extremely difficult to materialise, though. Since the Luis Suarez saga, there is certainly some sour feelings between one and another, with Liverpool reportedly inserting a clause in Roberto Firmino’s contract which stop’s Arsenal signing him for less than £80 million which shows the extent to which they will go to.

Both Mane and Chamberlain predominantly play on the right flank for their clubs but have the ability to cut inside and interchange with others, playing the position both players occupy you are expected to have the ability to create chances and both players impress in this trait. They are inseparable with the amount of chances they have created thus far this season with Chamberlain and Mané creating 1.77 chances per 90 minutes.

Creating chances is a natural trait that wingers should carry, but being able to contribute with that and assisting others is also very key and important for the team. The Arsenal man has double the assists of the Senegalese international with 0.50 assists per 90 thus far with Mané behind on 0.24.

Another trait versatile wingers carry is key passes, it shows they’re efficient in offensive areas and has hawk-eye vision in getting behind defences with defence split passes. Mané impresses in this stat and has thus far managed 1.52 key passes compared to Chamberlain’s 1.26.

Wingers usually have great stamina and have the ability to take on their man with pace / beautiful skill and this is something in which both players possess. Chamberlain has great upper body strength and pace which allows him to beat his man whilst Mané has pace and elegant skill whilst having the ability to glide past and in behind his man. The Arsenal man comes out on top for successful take on’s with an immense 65.85% with the latter narrowly behind on 57.53%.

Liverpool are top goal scorers in the Premier League and with their excellent Mané leaving in January may look to the market to replace his goals/creativity. Chamberlain has managed just 0.25 goals per 90 thus far this season compared to the Liverpool man who has managed 0.49 after having a prolific time in front of goal.

As you can see, Chamberlain, at just 23-years-old would be a decent addition to any club in and around Europe as he is still yet to fulfil his colossal potential but is blossoming this season. Klopp himself rubbished the rumours of a potential move for the Ox by saying “I don’t usually talk about other players, but I can make an exception - nonsense,”.

Klopp, as you thought has rubbished the rumours, which you would expect, but if he felt the Gunners man may be available this winter I have no doubt he would capitalise on it, Chamberlain would certainly be an exquisite signing for the Reds, but Arsenal will be reluctant to sell to a direct rival as they look to extend his current contract.

‘He Has To Start At The Weekend’ Arsenal Fans Impressed With Midfielder vs. Reading

Oli Price-Bates October 25, 2016

Arsenal were comfortable winners on Tuesday night as they overcame Reading in a 2-0 win to reach the quarter finals of the English League Cup.

It was a kind draw, a home tie against a Championship side, but a much-changed Arsenal team made the game look easier than it could have been. This game was an opportunity for Arsenal’s fringe players to impress and earn a spot in the first eleven. One player who may have done this is Oxlade-Chamberlain, who scored both of Arsenal’s goals with good finishes. He started alongside Alex Iwobi, but looked the better of the two players on the night and it could be that he takes Alex’s spot on the left wing with the Nigerian’s form dipping at the moment.

‘The Ox’ has always been a little rough around the edges but aged 23, now is the time for him to step up. Whilst he continues to frustrate at times, the early signs are good this season as he has scored 5 goals in all competitions already, that’s more than he has managed in any entire season previously. On Tuesday night, he continued to frustrate some fans, but his lethal finishing was great to see, as it was one (of many) elements to his game that was previously lacking. He’s still developing and he’s a player that Arsenal have invested a lot of time into - I think Arsene Wenger is right to at least give him this season to firstly prove his fitness and then prove his ability - as both of those things have been heavily and fairly questioned regularly during his time at Arsenal.

Here’s some reaction on Twitter to Oxlade-Chamberlain’s performance.

Is it FINALLY the season for The Ox? Aged 23 it’s hardly a last chance for him, but it may well be his last chance at Arsenal. Having been at the club for more than 6 years, the Gunners fans and the manager are desperate to see progression from him. I think that his style of play will always cause a sort of irritation to the Arsenal fans, as he is not a typical Arsenal midfielder. He’ll give the ball away more frequently than most, he’ll run down blind alleys sometimes, but he’s different. His unpredictability brings something different to the team and that’s something that makes him a useful part of the squad, even if it is just from the bench. He has the tools to evolve into a top player, now is the time to see if he is capable of doing it.

Reports: Southampton Poised To Make Bids For 3 Quality Midfielders

Chris Baker May 22, 2016

In recent season’s Southampton have become a real force, after narrowly missing out on the top four this season they will certainly look to add to the squad this summer to make the bigger step. The Saints good season did pay off as they have qualified for the Europa League which will help them attract their targets. We look at who could push them that one step further and qualify for the Champions League.

1 - Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

According to the Daily Mirror Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is Southampton’s number one target this summer as the club prepares to make a bid. Southampton are willing to make him their highest paid player and are even prepared to offer him vice-captaincy as they try to win over his services and bring him back to his childhood club.

Southampton are reportedly very interested in bringing ex-academy graduate Oxlade-Chamberlain back to the St Mary’s where he started his career this summer. Chamberlain is thought to be considering his long-term future with the Gunners as he wants regular first team football which Arsenal cannot guarantee.

Chamberlain’s current contract expires in 2018 and clubs have been alerted to this, they feel if the price is right they may be able to tempt Arsenal into selling their winger. It is said Southampton are willing to offer him a huge contract and make him a senior player at the club if he was to re-sign for them.

Chamberlain has suffered a recent injury which ruined his Euro chances is still struggling to hold down a starting role at Arsenal. In a season where Chamberlain has struggled, he has still managed to create 1.83 chances per 90 minutes compared to current Saints winger Sadio Mane’s 1.42. A worry for the Saints is the amount of goals Chamberlain scores, he has managed just to score just 0.10 compared to Mane’s 0.38. As well as scoring goals Mane has also contributed 0.21 assists per 90 minutes which is very impressive - Chamberlain, on the other hand has not registered a single assist this season. The Arsenal man does impress with successful take ons though (70.59%) - Mane, in contrast has managed just 55%.

Southampton will have to beat off interest from several clubs, including Leicester City for his services.

An added bonus for Southampton in their pursuit of Chamberlain is that he will not join another London club out of respect for the Gunners as he has also enjoyed a special relationship with the Arsenal fans.

‘What A Goal’: Fans React To Arsenal Midfielders Headed Goal

Steve Wallbridge November 19, 2014

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was in action for England last night as he helped them cruise to a 3-1 win over Scotland. The young winger has been in good form for Arsenal in recent weeks and he continued that form when headed Jack Wilshere’s sublime diagonal cross past Craig Gordon in the Scotland net.

There have been glimpses of Chamberlain’s potential since his £15million move from Southampton to Arsenal and following his recent run of games, he’s improving week by week. England often look a little lost when attacking, as if they aren’t quite sure where the opposition goal is. With Chamberlain on the field, though, the team seems to find it’s direction. When he picks up the ball, his head turns towards goal and he drives forward, dragging the rest of the team with him. It’s refreshing and it certainly adds an air of positivity to the Three Lions attack. There were some of the opinion, however, that Chamberlain’s all-round play wasn’t up to scratch.

Here’s How Twitter reacted to Chamberlain’s performance:

‘Stunning, Outstanding, Underrated’: Fans In Awe Of Arsenal Star

Josh Challies November 18, 2014

Jack Wilshere won his fourth consecutive Man Of The Match award for England tonight with a sensational performance against Scotland, helping the Three Lions to a 3-1 win.

The highlight of the evening came when Wilshere whipped in an inch-perfect cross to the head of Arsenal team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who headed home the opening goal of the game that came from North London. With the Gunners struggling for form this season, Wilshere’s performances will provide a huge boost ahead of a massive week where he will face Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.

Wilshere was praised by fans, current and ex-players and a host of other notable names, with some rival fans even going as far to suggest he is underrated, which will bring delight to Gooners worldwide.