Arsenal are not close to concluding a deal for Southampton winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arsène Wenger has confirmed.
Wenger revealed his interest in the 17-year-old on Monday, but rebuffed speculation sourced from a selection of English newspapers that the deal was all but done. The Frenchman paused and replied ‘No’ when asked if the transfer was close to its completion on Tuesday evening.
Arsenal began talks with the League One outfit on Sunday, but negotiations have been slow, with the two sides yet to compromise on the financial details. Wenger is willing to part with a figure close to £10 million for the player, but only wants to pay around £5 million up front, with the rest in installments. Southampton want closer to £7 million, and Oxlade-Chamberlain on loan until the end of the season.
A number of rumours then circulated that Manchester United have made their move for the winger, despite Alex already telling friends and family he is only interested in a move to North London.
The potential transfer looks set to drag on, with Wenger also suggesting to the media he wasn’t sure if any transfers would go through in the remaining days of the window.