Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger Reveals Interest In Southampton Starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Frenchman says club will try as hard as they can to sign him.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed his interest in signing Southampton starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this January transfer window.

The 17-year-old midfielder, who has been dubbed the "new Theo Walcott", has attracted the interest of a number of clubs including Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham but is thought to favour a move to the Emirates.

After being told that the youngster preferred the idea of a move to the Gunners, Wenger said: "I think if that is right, that is a very good decision."

The Frenchman also stated that the club would work tirelessly to secure a deal for the sought after youngster.

The Telegraph report the boss as saying: "We will try now. We need an agreement with Southampton. We need an agreement with the player, and we are not the only ones on the case. But we try as hard as we can as I like him as a player."

Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has only made 30 first team appearances for Southampton since his debut last March, is the St Mary's outfit's prized asset and it is rumoured that his current club will hold out for an up front offer of £10 million before sanctioning a move, as they are in no rush to move the highly rated prospect on.

Meanwhile, Saints boss Nigel Adkins has sympathised with the youngster over the situation.

He said: "It must be challenging for any young man and we’ve tried to deal with it as best as we can and be concentrated on the job in hand.

"He’s getting fitter and stronger and that’s the important thing."