Arsenal’s new £15 million signing and exciting future prospect, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, has explained his reasons for choosing the Gunners over other big clubs interested in him.
It is already being predicted that Oxlade-Chamberlain will become a better player than the last Southampton player to make it in the Premier League with Arsenal, Theo Walcott. Former Arsenal midfielder, Stewart Robson said in no uncertain terms that the soon to be 18 year-old midfielder has more talent, technical ability and intelligence than Walcott and so will clearly “be a better player than Walcott.”
The player himself therefore has a lot of expectation on his young shoulders, and many eyes will be watching him to see how he develops as a footballer at Arsenal. Chamberlain believes that he has chosen correctly in joining Arsenal because it is the best place to learn as a footballer. He said:
“I’ve never really been a mad fan of anyone but Arsenal definitely were one of the teams I’ve always followed. I think that’s the best way to learn to play football, watching the boys play at Arsenal.”
Having followed Arsenal as a child, he has always looked up to the clubs all time top scorer and current New York Red Bulls player, Thierry Henry, who had a very fruitful time at the old Highbury, becoming a favourite among fans. This factor also played a part in his decision to join Arsenal:
“As I was growing up, he was always star man on Match of the Day. All the highlights were basically of him because he was always scoring, week in, week out.
The goals he scored were fantastic and the play he created around him with the rest of the players, it was just exciting to watch.”
Arsenal manager Arsene Wneger hasn’t been having too smooth a time with some sections of fans who have been eager for additions to the squad to keep up with the big spenders in Manchester United and Manchester City this summer, who both apparently showed interest in Chamberlain.
However, Wenger has his new signings full backing. In fact, Wenger’s presence helped Chamberlain in choosing Arsenal:
“That was one of the reasons why I wanted to come to Arsenal, because I really believe that he knows what he’s doing. I think he knows what to do to develop me in the best way.”
His performances for Southampton have been extremely encouraging, and Arsenal fans will be hoping the step up to the Premier League will not faze him or halt his progress, as this is a talent many a club will be envious about missing out on.
Submitted by DBSfootball
