Why Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should leave Arsenal this summer

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It is going to be a summer of change at the Emirates Stadium, as several first team players are looking for a move away, according to the Daily Mail. One of those is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has featured prominently this season. The England international hasn’t been offered a new contract at the club and will enter the last year of his current deal during the summer. This will come as a particularly disappointing development for supporters as the 23-year-old has been one of the standout performers during recent weeks. He played well in both matches against Bayern Munich, despite the team’s overall underperformance.

The midfielder is capable of playing a variety of positions and it would be a huge blow to the squad if he was to leave at the end of the season. He is a dynamic winger primarily who is capable of playing on either flank, but he can also thrive in a central role, as he has done during recent matches. It isn’t surprising that he is attracting interest from several top English clubs. Manchester United, Manchester City, and Liverpool are all keeping an eye on his situation according to the above report. His form this season coupled with his homegrown status makes him an exciting option for the sides competing in the top six. Arsene Wenger was asked about his midfielder’s future and stated that he wants to keep Oxlade-Chamberlain at the club.

“I personally wish he stays – I think he is a very promising player who has developed well and who looks also to have the values we rate.”

Although Arsenal want to keep him at the club, Oxlade-Chamberlain has become frustrated that he hasn’t been given the first team opportunities that he believes should have come his way. This season has been the best of his career, but he has only started 11 Premier League matches. It is easy to see why he may be looking for a transfer this summer. The winger has been at the Emirates Stadium since 2011 and it could be the right time for him to move on.

The 23-year-old has already contributed two goals and four assists, which beats his previous best return for a Premier League season. He has avoided injuries and has grown into the season, but he continues to be under-appreciated by the Gunners. There are questions about his attacking contribution, as a starting winger for a top six club is expected to score and assist more than Oxlade-Chamberlain does. However, the fact that he hasn’t been given a sustained run in one position hasn’t helped him at all.

The last few weeks have been disastrous for Arsenal, but Oxlade-Chamberlain has been one of the few players to emerge with credit. He has shown tremendous heart to perform at times when others in the team have chosen to hide away. The midfielder was the only player to acknowledge the supporters properly at the Allianz Arena, which shows that he has the right sort of character, yet another reason why clubs will be looking at him.

At the age of 23, he has proven himself at a high level and he could really flourish if he is managed correctly. Arsene Wenger hasn’t been able to get the most out of the English players that have come through at the club in recent years. Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere, and Kieran Gibbs all could have achieved more, which raises questions about how they have been developed by Arsenal. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is at a crucial stage in his development and the next two years will be vital for him. He holds all the cards when it comes to his future and given the uncertainty surrounding the Emirates Stadium at the moment, looking for a move away could be the correct decision for his career.

Featured image: All rights reserved by Stuart MacFarlane