Nigel Winterburn: Arsenal Must Keep Midfield Star

By The Editor
on 23rd August 2017

Arsenal legend feels Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain cannot be sold…

Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn believes that we must do everything in our power to keep Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with rumours rife that he’s seeking a move away.

The 24-year-old has so far rejected to extend his contract which expires in 12 months, and it remains to be seen if the club are prepared to allow him to run his contract down.

Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are also in the same position, but Arsene Wenger has made it clear that we cannot afford to let players of that calibre go.

The Ox, on the other hand, arguably isn’t in our first XI if all the players are fit, and one wonders how Wenger would react to a big bid coming in.

However, for Winterburn the choice is simple, the Ox must stay.

“I absolutely say he’s a player that has made massive strides in the last season,” the Gunners legend told Sky Sports.

“At wing-back, I would put him as Arsenal’s outstanding player.

“Does he want to play in centre midfield or a more advanced area in behind a main striker?

“But from the end of last season, his performances have been at a very high level. He’s definitely a player Arsenal need to keep.”

Wenger has spoken of his desire to keep the former Southampton winger, though he’s yet to be tested with a huge offer which would make it difficult.

Writing off the potential financial gain of selling Alexis and Ozil is one thing, but adding the Ox to that list may be a step too far.