With the Premier League season coming to a close and Arsenal failing to qualify for the Champions League, there are plenty of rumors doing the rounds linking Arsenal’s top stars with moves away from the Emirates. One of those rumours that has been around for quite some time is in regards to Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain, with Liverpool said to be very keen on acquiring the services of the player.
The speculation was further fuelled when the Englishman admitted on a talk show not so long ago that his Arsenal future was far from secure, considering that there was no shortage of suitors and how the Gunners’ star was struggling for first-team football at the time. But a few months on from when those comments were made, the situation is very different for the former Southampton youngster.
Since Wenger tweaked his formation to a back-three system, Alex had been a mainstay in the side until his unfortunate injury. In fact, his meteoric rise towards the latter half of the season propelled him to being voted as the runner-up for Player of the Season at Arsenal. With that being said, surely the club must take every step to ensure that the player signs on new terms at the Emirates.
But with just one year to run on his deal, the club do not have much leeway. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City, who are understood to be interested, can offer him Champions League football and higher wages compared to Arsenal. In addition, the Ox admitted recently that despite his success at wing-back, his desire was to play in midfield and any promise in that regard may contribute to a potential departure as well.
Personally, I think Alex must be kept at all costs. The past season, he has improved on every aspect that drew him criticism – consistency, fitness and his final ball. In addition, he counts as a homegrown player and his versatility will be a great asset for the team. Considering that he’s been around for so long, it’s easy to forget that he is still only 23 and if this season was anything to go by, the Ox is only going to get better.
Do you think he will stay?
AT