Report: Arsenal begin talks with 23-year-old, will offer £100,000-a-week
By Derek Smithson
Arsenal have begun talks with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain about a new deal, according to a report.
The Sun claim that the Gunners are in negotiations with the 23-year-old as they look to extend his existing one-year contract which is currently worth £70,000-a-week.
It is understood that Arsene Wenger wants to keep the England international, despite interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.
The report details that Arsenal want to hand Oxlade-Chamberlain a new deal that will edge past £100,000-a-week.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has become an important player for the north London club since his arrival in 2011 and is set to be rewarded with a new improved contract.
The versatile midfielder made 45 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring six goals and supplying 11 assists in return.
He is a right winger by trade and is blessed with good pace, but has also been tried as a central midfielder by Wenger recently.
Football Insider verdict:
Arsenal need to keep their star players ahead of next season if they want to improve and Oxlade-Chamberlain is one of them who deserves a new deal. The 23-year-old was one of the few players for the Gunners who stayed consistent during the campaign and is a hard working player. His performances in the centre of the park suggests that he could definitely be a long-term option in the middle and still has plenty of time to improve. The Englishman needs to cement his position in the starting line-up ahead of a World Cup year and a new £100,000-a-week deal should only improve his confidence.
In other Arsenal transfer news, they have opened talks to sign a prolific striker.
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