At the weekend Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain told Sky Sports he was approaching the point where he’d have to consider his Arsenal future if he didn’t manage to get more playing time.
Fully aware the onus is on him to work hard and earn a place in the squad, he sounded a little unsure about his long-term situation at the club.
Like Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, he will find himself with just one year left on his current contract at the end of this season, and it was put to Arsene Wenger that the player had said he’d be open to leaving at that point.
“He didn’t say that,” refuted the Arsenal manager. “He said he will consider the situation at the end of the season. That is completely different.
“I can understand it, but on the other hand, you buy a young player at 17 years of age, you spend a lot of money, then you would like him to stay at the club.
“I think his place is here. We like him. I personally rate him as a player and I hope that he will show that he can have a stable position in the team until the end of the season.
“This season he has been similar to Walcott. He has not got rewarded yet. But he is in a similar position because he has worked really hard.”
All the same, it is a slightly precarious scenario, and unlike his more senior colleagues, there has been little talk of a contract offer. Perhaps it’s going on behind the scenes, or perhaps it’s something they’ve agreed to visit at the of the season when his situation has a little more clarity.
It’s down to the Ox though to make sure he gives Wenger something to think about when he is given a chance to play.
Very much hope he makes it but, gun to head, I’d say he’s heading the same way as Wilshere
I sincerely don’t think he is getting loaned out anytime soon. I think we can boldy say that he just needs a good run of games. His very swift change of pace combined with his technical ability is a very rare combination, he could be the next Robben, I’m serious.
Just without the cuntishness please, then by all means yes!
Personally I kinda wish he was loaned out rather than Campbell. Think a solid run of games somewhere with less pressure might’ve been good.
Last season the boss started him against barca at home. He wouldn’t do that if thought Ox wasn’t good enough for the club. I hope Ox and Wilshire make it here at Arsenal.
If he hadn’t been injured early in that game then I think he would have scored the only goal of a 1-0 victory, similar to his performance against Chelsea in the Community Shield.
Agree
He’s such an exciting player, at some point it’s going to click.
How is Wilshere doing at Bournemouth? Anyone following their games?
I read that Chambers was beginning to settle in at ‘Boro after a sketchy debut (against Spurs).
Every time I’ve checked Bournemouth player ratings he’s been amongst the top 2.
From what I hear he’s playing very well but hasn’t made 90 minutes yet, Howe is being very careful with his fitness. All in all the loan is working out so far
Not sure he’s done enough to merit an improved deal but can’t see the harm in extending his current one. Although I doubt he’ll go for that if another team can offer more regular football.
Need to be loaned soon
Interesting situation… short term wise it’s very hard to see him displace Iwobi and Walcott unless injury strikes. If and when Wenger decides to revert back to Giroud/Perez as the CF then he’ll also have Sanchez to contend with and don’t forget Campbell could still return for next season – at least I hope he does. Also Ramsey when fit can play there as well. At this stage he’s in the same situation as Gibbs – solid backup and nothing more. Wenger did state at one stage that he sees the Ox as a midfielder but we’re so well stocked… Read more »
When you come to think of it, who do we have on that right flank if Theo gets injured? no campbell, no welbeck, maybe ramsey? The most realistic swap would be Ox. I just happen to feel that he is just one or two ingredients away from being a jaw dropping player. The lad’s got it all in his locker.
Perez
Jenkinson at rb bellerin at rm sounds interesting as well.
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Bellerin is brilliant as attacking RB. Pace covers the ground and is an outlet as attacking when our RW (Theo or Ox want to cut in).
i think the way we are playing at the moment walcots job is to make runs behind the defence . walcot with his unique talent and and with the form he is in nobody can displace him that easily . only one player at arsenal makes that sort of runs in behind the defence ..ramsey. without walcots pace it wont be a like for like replacement , but on the flip side playing ramsey there will have much more control in midfield . ox is similar to walcot in terms of talent . he too can play there , but… Read more »
Wenger says he’s worked really hard… but if you heard iwobi’s recent interview, he said the ox is often late for training.