Wenger: I rate this young Arsenal midfielder and he will prove me right

Wenger: I rate this young Arsenal midfielder and he will prove me right

Wayne Veysey

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

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By Tony Hughes

Arsene Wenger has claimed he has no plans to cash in on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain by selling him.

The Arsenal midfielder has entered the final two years of his contract with the club and was closely linked with a summer move to Manchester City.

But Wenger says he still has faith in Oxlade-Chamberlain nailing down a regular starting spot in the Gunners team.

“I think his place is here. I personally rate him as a player and I hope that he will show that he can have a stable position in the team until the end of the season," Wenger told the Evening Standard, as quoted by the BBC Sport live blog (9.05am).

"You buy a young player at 17 years of age, you spend a lot of money, then you would like him to stay at the club."

Oclade-Chamberlain has scored three goals in 10 Arsenal appearances this season but has started just three of the team's eight Premier League matches.

He was recalled to the starting XI ahead of Alex Iwobi for the Gunners' midweek demolition of Ludogorets and responded with a goal in the 6-0 triumph.

But the England international, who joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2011 for a fee rising to £15million, is widely regarded as failing to fulfil his immense potential.

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