Arsenal are continuing to watch Southampton winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain amid speculation that the 17-year-old is on the verge of joining the Gunners.
Oxlade-Chamberlain was in action this afternoon as Southampton took on Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park, with a selection of Premier League clubs having scouts present. Arsenal representatives were joined by those from Liverpool and Manchester United in watching on from the stands as the Saints lost 2-0.
John Cross, of the Daily Mirror, and the Express’ Matt Law had earlier announced on their Twitter pages that Arsenal had agreed a deal for the winger, despite Law’s fellow Express writer Paul Joyce writing on Wednesday that Liverpool were set to move in with an offer.
Other English newspapers had suggested that Fulham and Manchester City were also realistic options in a week of intense speculation around the England Under 18 international.
Arsène Wenger has previously been quizzed on Oxlade-Chamberlain, but said there had been no talks, only rumours. The Frenchman backed up that claim by reaffirming his stance on transfers in his program notes ahead of today’s clash with Wigan, saying he is “happy with what I’ve got”.
Arsenal are indeed making checks on one of the most highly rated youngsters around, but suggestions that the club have gone as far as negotiating a deal appear to be wide of the mark. At least for the time being.