Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger ‘determined’ to keep Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ahead of crunch talks with Chelsea target
Wenger wants midfielder to commit to his future at the club and wants to build team around him
ARSENE WENGER spoke this morning of his desire for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to stay at Arsenal and to build his team around the winger.
The French manager plans to meet Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arsenal's chief executive today to discuss his future in North London.
The Gunners have had a rocky start to the season having suffered a loss away at Stoke last weekend and as a result Wenger is keen to strengthen his squad by keeping pivotal players.
Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool have both expressed an interest in the 24-year-old, but Wenger hopes to keep the player he has described as 'one of his best'.
Arsenal's manager of 21 years spoke openly about keeping the player at the club, he said: "I want Alex to stay at the club and be one of the big players for the future of the club, he is one of the players to build the team around."
The England international has one year left on his contract, but Wenger believes the time, confidence and money that the club have invested in him will be enough to keep him at the Emirates.
Ahead of their game against Liverpool at Anfield this weekend Wenger said:"Personally I want him to commit and be the carrier of our values in the future.
"I know every bid we have, but the best is for us to focus on Sunday’s game."
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Oxlade-Chamberlain has been at the Gunners since he signed at 17, from Southampton.
With interest on Alexis Sanchez heating up, Wenger is looking for some stability in his squad, he said: "I want to keep my best players, I have only one target that is to keep everybody on board."
Wenger spoke of players such as Oxlade-Chamberlain having a 'responsibility for the future of the club' and looks to continue to bat off interest from other clubs.
Arsenal's opening thrilling win against Leicester City was short-lived after their subsequent game against Stoke.
They have their work cut out against Liverpool on Sunday, who they lost to twice last season.
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