Arsene Wenger surprised by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain transfer rumours and urges him to stay at Arsenal
Reports suggested he will leave at the end of the season
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.Arsene Wenger has shown his surprise at rumours suggesting attacker Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and has urged him to stay at Arsenal – but only if he really wants to be there.
The England international was linked with a move in the summer after failing to establish himself in the first team, but has received a number of first-team opportunities since Christmas.
Alexis Sanchez is being heavily tipped to leave in the summer, with Mesut Ozil’s future also in doubt, and reports on Thursday suggested Oxlade-Chamberlain has become the latest Gunner to seek a move away from the club after becoming frustrated with his treatment.
The 23-year-old is approaching the final year of his contract and has yet to be offered new terms, with both Manchester United and City monitoring the situation.
However, Wenger insisted during his pre-match press conference ahead of the FA Cup tie with Lincoln, that the reports were the first he’d heard of Oxlade-Chamberlain’s unhappiness.
“I've not seen that, I'm surprised by that,” he said. “I believe he has developed and is developing well at the moment. He's been given his chance.
“But when you are somewhere you have to want to be there first.
“After, the only thing I can say is personally I rate him highly. I showed that in the way I kept faith in him when he was injured.
“I personally wish he stays at the club, he is a very promising player who has developed very well who looks to have the values we rate.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments