Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain set for crunch talks with Arsenal as Gunners look to tie England star down to new contract at the Emirates Stadium

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Arsenal will hold crunch talks with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this week as they look to clear up uncertainty over his future.

The England international's existing deal expires at the end of this season and there is no agreement in place over a new contract.

Arsenal have left themselves exposed to the prospect of losing the former Southampton man for nothing - a scenario they are keen to avoid.

Arsenal are hopeful of tying Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain down to a new contract

Talks are due to take place by the end of the week; discussions that are likely to prove pivotal over the midfielder's future.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has established himself as an important member of Arsene Wenger's squad and has started both Premier League games for the club this season.

Chelsea will be hugely interested in the outcome of the forthcoming summit as they plot to bring Oxlade-Chamberlain to Stamford Bridge.

Antonio Conte has already seen a £25million offer rejected by Arsenal but remain interested in the 24-year-old.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been adamant that Oxlade-Chamberlain won't be sold

Wenger has made clear he wants to keep Oxlade-Chamberlain - and his two other out of contract stars Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil - despite the prospect of losing all three for nothing next summer.

It remains to be seen whether the Gunners board will look to apply pressure on Wenger to sell one of the trio this summer given the huge financial implications of losing them all on free transfers.

Nevertheless, Wenger has publicly stated he will stand firm in his attempts to keep them at the club.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have continued their squad clear out by allowing Carl Jenkinson and Cohen Bramall to leave on loan.

Jon Toral is also set to depart, with Hull City his likely destination.

Chamberlain has played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal's opening two Premier League games