Could Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain be ready to leave Arsenal amid ongoing contract frustrations?

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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may not be considered as important as Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are to Arsenal, but his future is one that they need to sort out soon.

The Mirror report that the midfielder has been left frustrated by the lack of progression on a new deal, which could lead to him leaving the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City are all watching the developments with all three having a long-standing interest in the England international.

This is concerning news for Gunners fans as they have made little progress in terms of incomings and now another key player is facing an uncertain future.

How big a disappointment would it be for the Gunners to lose him?

It would be a disaster for Arsenal to lose him in what is being built up as the biggest summer of the club’s recent history. They are attempting to build a squad that can challenge for major honours and they will need to identify the right characters for that.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was one of the few players that emerged from the most recent campaign with credit and his performances during a tricky period after the Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich were impressive. He ran himself into the ground for his side and could never be accused of downing tools when things weren’t going his way.

Arsenal have often been derided for their poor fighting spirit. In that sense, it would be a huge blow if Oxlade-Chamberlain does seek a transfer. He is one of the few in the current squad to show heart and leadership on the pitch.

Although he has been around for a long time, he is still only 23 years of age, and the next few seasons will be crucial for his development. If he is managed correctly, he could become one of the best English players in the Premier League. Arsene Wenger needs to make it sure that those are spent at the Emirates Stadium.

Is he likely to leave this summer?

Despite this report, it does remain unlikely that he will leave Arsenal this summer. Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are two other players who are moving into the final year of their contract, but unlike those two, Oxlade-Chamberlain wants to stay at the club.

The Gunners will be aware of this and that may be why talks over a new contract aren’t a priority. However, they risk upsetting the player as their actions suggest that he isn’t viewed as a crucial first-team player, with the focus instead being on Ozil and Sanchez.