Arsenal transfer news: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain admits he may leave in search of more playing time
The 23-year-old winger, who joined from Southampton in 2011, has struggled to establish himself in north London due to his poor injury record
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has admitted that he is ready to consider his future at Arsenal having struggled to establish himself in Arsène Wenger’s first team.
The 23-year-old winger, who arrived as a promising youngster from Southampton in 2011, has seen his progression at the Emirates hampered by persistent injuries.
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s current contract expires in 2018 and, while appearing on Sky Sports’ Goals on Sunday, he revealed that he may soon contemplate a switch away from north London.
“I’d be lying if I said it hadn’t crossed my mind that I need more game time,” he said. “As a footballer, you want to play every game. Me being myself, I'm not happy when I'm not playing.
“There is going to come a time in my career, and I think I'm approaching that, when I do need to be getting more regular football, but my focus completely and utterly now is on playing for Arsenal and still trying to break into the team when I get the opportunity. Help out if I have to come off the bench, do what I did yesterday and come on and make a difference.
“My sole aim for now is to help Arsenal and keep pushing myself to play in this team, because you know, I love playing at Arsenal. It's a great club, it's a great team and I've got a lot of faith in the team.
“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?"
Oxlade-Chamberlain has made nine appearances for Arsenal this season, four of which have come as a substitute, including Saturday's display off the bench in the 3-2 win over Swansea City.
The England international revealed that he has confronted Wenger over his lack of playing time and asked what he needs to do to cement a regular place.
“As I've got older, in the last year or so, I've gone and knocked on his door and had words with him,” he said.
“I'm at a stage now where I definitely want to be playing and pushing him to play me, getting feedback and if I'm not playing, finding out why I'm not playing. Or if I am playing, what he is happy with or what he is not happy with.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments