Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Southampton youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, according to reports over the weekend.
A £12m deal is thought to be in place, with the Gunners paying £7m up front with a further £5m based on appearances and performances.
Arsene Wenger has been tracking the 19-year-old for some time and came close to signing him in January, but a deal couldn’t be agreed. Both Man Utd and Man City, as well as Liverpool have also been keen on Chamberlain, but it is believed that Arsenal are the players preferred destination.
Reports over the weekend claim that Wenger will tie up the deal this week, and rumours were fuelled when Chamberlain was left out of Southampton’s opening fixture of the Championship season on Saturday. It is believed the player has been left fuming over a two week fine handed out for his comments confirming he wanted’t to leave the Saints:
‘Southampton, and especially the fans, have been brilliant to me ever since I broke into the first team.
‘It has been fantastic helping them to get promoted. But now I feel I’m ready to play in the Premier League.’
