Why Arsenal Should Keep Hold of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain This Summer

Although Arsene Wenger’s primary concern will be strengthening Arsenal’s squad this summer, he will also be contemplating which of his players to let go. One player who’s been mentioned as a possible departure is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has endured another difficult campaign. 

Wenger has intimidated he intends to keep the former Southampton man at the club, per Mattias Karen of ESPN FC: “We invested a lot of time [in him], so we will not give up now.”

On balance, that is probably the right decision; Oxlade-Chamberlain could yet fulfil his undoubted potential in north London. 

There’s definitely a decision to be made, though. With two years remaining on his contract, Oxlade-Chamberlain has arrived at the point when clubs generally have to make a decision about a player’s future. Once a player enters those final two years, the club’s hand begins to weaken should they later opt to let the player go. Arsenal must choose between extending his contract or selling him.

The case to sell is based around another season of underachievement for Oxlade-Chamberlain. After scoring a terrific goal in the Community Shield victory over Chelsea in August, the winger was expected to kick on and develop significantly throughout 2015/16. He was picked in the starting XI for the first Premier …

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