Arsenal Set To Open Talks With England Winger Over Fresh Deal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is preparing to hand Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain a new contract after an impressive opening 12 months at the club, according to the Daily Mail.

Unfortunately, we’ve seen a number of top stars leave in recent years after letting them run down their contract to the final year. Robin van Persie is the latest high-profile casualty of this risky strategy, while players such as Samir Nasri have also left the club under similar circumstances.

Theo Walcott is also in the perilous position of having less than 12 months to run on his current contract but Arsenal have decided to hang on to him in the hope he’ll commit to the club in the coming weeks.

Wenger is keen to avoid such issues with Oxlade-Chamberlain and despite the youngster having four-years left on his contract, the Frenchman is expected to open talks later this month to discuss an improved deal that would see him commit his long-term future to the club.

The 19-year-old moved to the Emirates last summer from Southampton and has enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame, making 26 appearances in his first year at the club, scoring 4 goals and bagging 3 assists along the way.

His impressive form earned him a called up to the England squad for this summers European championships and started on the left wing for their opening group game against France.

It makes sense to keep the lad happy by awarding him for his efforts this past year. He joined the club as an unproven youngster, so is presumably on the wages that reflect this. While now he’s considered an England international and pushing for a first team place with Arsenal, so I feel he deserves his new deal.

Would you be happy to see The Oxe sign a new deal? Or do you think it’s too early to hand him a new contract? Get involved in the comments section.

Fancy a flutter on the game? Claim your £10 welcome bonus at Sky Bet and enjoy some of the best match odds in the business.