Arsene Wenger wants Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to lead Arsenal for the next TEN years
Ox is out of contract next season but French boss is desperate for him to stay
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ARSENE WENGER wants Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to lead the best of British at Arsenal for the next TEN years.
The Gunners face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley today with Brits Oxlade-Chamberlain, Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott, Kieran Gibbs and rookie Rob Holding in their ranks.
Midfielder Oxlade-Chamberlain, 23, is out of contract at the end of next season and there is speculation he will move on.
But boss Wenger said: “I want him to be part of Arsenal football club for the next ten years.
“There has been a lot of speculation about him. I understand that.
“He is a big player and we live in a world where agents are linked to the press and can make the whole package come up.
“But it all comes down to, ‘Do you want to be part of that? What is important in your football life, here or not?’
“What has changed, compared to 20, 30 years ago, is that no matter where you sign today, you will make money.”
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Wenger believes the Ox is finally on the rise after being hampered by injuries since joining the club six years ago from Southampton.
He said: “Alex has had little problems but looks on an upward curve.
“Before he played a little bit inhibited, now he plays with the attitude of ‘I’m a player’.”