Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Rumours

Arsenal have reportedly told Theo Walcott he still has a future at the club despite continued links with a move for Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy. 

That’s according to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, who noted that a new striker will not spell the end for the former Southampton man at the Emirates Stadium. James Olley of the London Evening Standard reported on Monday that West Ham United are considering a £25 million bid for the player.

Cross added that the future of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could be in doubt, with Saints and Manchester City keen on landing him. “It remains to be seen if he will be made available,” he continued.

These are uncertain times for Arsenal’s two England internationals, as the club looks to mount a charge for the Premier League title next season.

Indeed, Greg Johnson of Squawka Football thinks the Gunners’ pursuit of Vardy is to address the failings of Walcott at the Emirates Stadium:

After signing for the club 10 years ago, Walcott has not delivered on the sky-high potential many believed he had. And while there have been some scintillating runs, consistency has been scarce.

Should Vardy come in, his playing time would be limited further and that’s something the 27-year-old simply cannot afford. In the sporadic appearances he made this season, Walcott struggled badly and it’s starting to have an impact on his prospects.

Walcott’s injury problems and lack of game time meant England manager Roy Hodgson left him out of the squad for the 2016 UEFA European Championship. FourFourTwo’s Seb Stafford-Bloor doesn’t think he deserved to be included:

Oxlade-Chamberlain probably would have made the final cut had he not been struck down with an injury, but he’s another player who’ll be assessing whether or not he has a long-term future at Arsenal.

Alex Iwobi was drafted into the team late last season and showed a lot of promise in his appearances on the flanks. For Oxlade-Chamberlain that is far from encouraging, as he already faces a battle with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sanchez for a spot in the starting XI.

Being on the bench is all too familiar for the 22-year-old. As we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, Oxlade-Chamberlain has been a peripheral figure at Arsenal in recent seasons:

Both players have big decisions to make this summer.

Walcott could stay at the club and it’s clear he’s a popular figure at Arsenal. But he’s approaching what should be the best years of his career, and it’d be a huge shame for him if he was to spend them sat on the bench or shoehorned into positions he’s not comfortable with. A new start could be invigorating for the forward.

Oxlade-Chamberlain may feel there is a place for him in the Arsenal squad provided he can get fit. The youngster is capable of filling in on both flanks and in central midfield, versatility that’ll be key over the course of a long campaign. If he gets chances, then the onus is on the England man to prove to manager Arsene Wenger he can be a vital squad member.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Carl Jenkinson enjoy break in California

Arsenal duo Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Carl Jenkinson are enjoying a break from their injury rehab by soaking up some California sun.

The two friends both had disappointing ends to the season as Jenkinson needed knee surgery in February while Oxlade-Chamberlain was ruled out of Euro 2016 after injuring knee ligaments in training in May.

But they seem to be fit enough to enjoy their summer holiday, with Jenkinson posting a photo by the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Jenkinson spent the last two seasons on loan at West Ham, but could be back at Arsenal next summer depending on whether fellow right back Mathieu Debuchy leaves the club.

Tuesday marked five years since Jenkinson, who grew up as an Arsenal fan, signed with the club.

And judging by this tweet in response to Arsenal posting a video of his first goal for the Gunners, he clearly still hopes to have a future in north London:

Roy Hodgson monitoring Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ahead of Euro 2016 decision

England manager Roy Hodgson has been regularly checking in on Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as he considers his squad for Euro 2016.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has been recovering from a knee injury suffered against Barcelona in the Champions League in March, is set to play for the Arsenal Under-21s against Blackburn on Tuesday night.

The England boss will reveal the 23 names included in his Euro 2016 squad on May 12, and it is believed that Arsenal’s 22-year-old winger has a real chance of being included – if he can prove his fitness in time, according to the Mirror.

Hodgson, a long-term admirer of Oxlade-Chamberlain’s ability, took the former Southampton player to Euro 2012 Poland and Ukraine and made his debut in the warm-up games before the tournament.

After missing out on the Brazil World Cup through injury two years ago, Oxlade-Chamberlain will be desperate to play his way back in to the squad, leaving Theo Walcott’s position in danger.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Manchester City: Pep Guardiola makes Arsenal man a target

Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is said to be a transfer target for incoming Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, according to reports.

Guardiola, who will take over from Manuel Pellegrini in the summer, is said to have been fan of Oxlade-Chamberlain's since he starred against Bayern Munich in the 1-1 Champions League clash in March 2014.

According to The Times, Guardiola would use the 22-year-old on the right wing as he seeks to rebuild a City team that has failed to live up to expectations this season.

Guardiola is also said to be interested in Everton defender John Stones.

​Oxlade-Chamberlain has endured another extremely inconsistent and injury-hit season. He has started just nine Premier League matches, coming off the bench in another 13, scoring only one goal and failing to record an assist.

Having previously been linked with Chelsea, Arsenal are believed to be willing to sell at the right price, although it is not stated what that price might be.

The winger, who can also play in central midfield, is under contract until 2018 but could be interested in working with Guardiola.

Manchester City would also increase his wages.

5 Premier League Clubs who will chase Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Arsenal attacker Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be the subject of intense transfer speculation this summer

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain hasn’t lived up to his potential this season for Arsenal and it may be time for a change of scenery for the 22-year-old attacker. He has all of the ability in the world, but for a variety of reasons it hasn’t equaled production on the pitch for the Gunners.

For what it’s worth, Oxlade-Chamberlain is reported to be very loyal to the North London club. The Daily Mail reports that his strong preference is to stay and fight for his place at Arsenal despite interest from numerous other Premier League clubs. Despite that alleged loyalty, it’s still a solid bet that he’ll strongly consider other options once the transfer window reopens.

The reality is that the attacking midfielder has only managed to contribute a measly two goals in 31 appearances this season. That type of production isn’t going to endear you to any club no matter how much you may love it. Arsene Wenger and the higher-ups at the club will have to be convinced they’ll get more out of Oxlade-Chamberlain next season to keep him at the club.

If he does leave the Emirates, he’ll be the target of quite a few Premier League suitors. We examine the best 5 Premier League transfer destinations for the young Englishman in this piece.

Southampton 4 Arsenal 0: Improved Saints deny Wenger's men top spot

Southampton ended their dismal recent form to claim a deserved win over an Arsenal side who had designs on top spot in the Premier League.

Arsenal missed the chance to go top of the Premier League as Arsene Wenger's men were soundly beaten 4-0 by a much-improved Southampton at St Mary's Stadium on Saturday. 

Wenger's side fuelled talk of a sustained title push with an impressive victory over Manchester City on Monday, but were punished for a lethargic display on the south coast as the hosts ended their run of five league games without a win in style. 

Southampton had picked up just a point from their previous five outings, but, after a slow start, went ahead courtesy of Cuco Martina's impressive long-range effort 19 minutes in. 

On his maiden Premier League start, Martina became the first Curacaoan to score in the division and Southampton grew in confidence, doubling the lead 10 minutes into the second half via the first of a Shane Long brace. 

With limited attacking options on the bench, Wenger saw his side toil in the final third and struggle defensively as they failed to leapfrog leaders Leicester City - beaten 1-0 by Liverpool earlier in the day and two points clear of Arsenal. 

Instead, Southampton - missing the likes of injured pair Graziano Pelle and Cedric Soares - saw Jose Fonte head in a third from a corner and Long make it 4-0 in stoppage time shortly after being denied by the woodwork to seal the points on a hugely frustrating evening for the visitors.  

An unchanged Arsenal edged the opening stages, but fell behind to the hosts' first effort on target. 

Per Mertesacker only partially cleared Ryan Bertrand's delivery, allowing Martina to beat Petr Cech with a stunning outside-of-the-boot effort. 

James Ward-Prowse dragged a shot wide before the half-hour mark as the home side grew in confidence, with Steven Davis failing to muster a clean strike on goal after Laurent Koscielny lost possession. 

For all their early endeavour, Arsenal's best chances were a tame Theo Walcott shot easily gathered by Maarten Stekelenburg and a header from the Arsenal winger that found the side-netting.

Long almost doubled Southampton's half-time lead, but the striker could only put his lob over the crossbar while Sadio Mane's dangerous delivery failed to get the necessary touch early on the second half. 

Virgil van Dijk had the ball in the net five minutes after the interval - his header adjudged offside - although Long did make it 2-0 with a breakaway goal before the hour. 

The Republic of Ireland international played a neat one-two with Mane, before turning his team-mate's cross past Cech from close range amid Arsenal complaints over a perceived trip from Long on Koscielny. 

Arsenal continued to flounder going forward, with the likes of Mesut Ozil and Joel Campbell largely anonymous in the face of incessant Saints pressure. 

Former Southampton man Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was introduced for the latter after the hour, but it was Southampton who remained the more clinical, skipper Fonte heading home from Bertrand's set-piece 21 minutes from time. 

The impressive Long hit the post, but was not to be denied a second when Dusan Tadic set him clear, the Saints forward finishing past Cech to complete a miserable outing for Wenger's men. 

Key Opta stats:  

- Arsenal have lost two successive league meetings with Southampton for the first time since April 1988.
- Cuco Martina was the first player from Curacao to score a Premier League goal - 93 different nationalities have now scored in the competition.
- Arsenal have conceded five Premier League goals from outside the box in 2015-16 so far; two more than in the whole of 2014-15 (3).
- Sadio Mane has six assists in 18 Premier League appearances this season; twice as many as he had in 30 Premier League last season (3). 

Saints rout Arsenal to deny Gunners top spot

Arsenal missed the chance to go top of the Premier League as Arsene Wenger's men were soundly beaten 4-0 by a much-improved Southampton at St Mary's Stadium on Saturday.

Wenger's side fuelled talk of a sustained title push with an impressive victory over Manchester City on Monday, but were punished for a lethargic display on the south coast as the hosts ended their run of five league games without a win in style.

Southampton had picked up just a point from their previous five outings, but, after a slow start, went ahead courtesy of Cuco Martina's impressive long-range effort 19 minutes in.

On his maiden Premier League start, Martina became the first Curacaoan to score in the division and Southampton grew in confidence, doubling the lead 10 minutes into the second half via the first of a Shane Long brace.

With limited attacking options on the bench, Wenger saw his side toil in the final third and struggle defensively as they failed to leapfrog leaders Leicester City - beaten 1-0 by Liverpool earlier in the day and two points clear of Arsenal.

Instead, Southampton - missing the likes of injured pair Graziano Pelle and Cedric Soares - saw Jose Fonte head in a third from a corner and Long make it 4-0 in stoppage time shortly after being denied by the woodwork to seal the points on a hugely frustrating evening for the visitors. 

An unchanged Arsenal edged the opening stages, but fell behind to the hosts' first effort on target.

Per Mertesacker only partially cleared Ryan Bertrand's delivery, allowing Martina to beat Petr Cech with a stunning outside-of-the-boot effort.

James Ward-Prowse dragged a shot wide before the half-hour mark as the home side grew in confidence, with Steven Davis failing to muster a clean strike on goal after Laurent Koscielny lost possession.

For all their early endeavour, Arsenal's best chances were a tame Theo Walcott shot easily gathered by Maarten Stekelenburg and a header from the Arsenal winger that found the side-netting.

Long almost doubled Southampton's half-time lead, but the striker could only put his lob over the crossbar while Sadio Mane's dangerous delivery failed to get the necessary touch early on the second half.

Virgil van Dijk had the ball in the net five minutes after the interval - his header adjudged offside - although Long did make it 2-0 with a breakaway goal before the hour.

The Republic of Ireland international played a neat one-two with Mane, before turning his team-mate's cross past Cech from close range amid Arsenal complaints over a perceived trip from Long on Koscielny.

Arsenal continued to flounder going forward, with the likes of Mesut Ozil and Joel Campbell largely anonymous in the face of incessant Saints pressure.

Former Southampton man Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was introduced for the latter after the hour, but it was Southampton who remained the more clinical, skipper Fonte heading home from Bertrand's set-piece 21 minutes from time.

The impressive Long hit the post, but was not to be denied a second when Dusan Tadic set him clear, the Saints forward finishing past Cech to complete a miserable outing for Wenger's men.

Key Opta stats: 

- Arsenal have lost two successive league meetings with Southampton for the first time since April 1988.

- Cuco Martina was the first player from Curacao to score a Premier League goal - 93 different nationalities have now scored in the competition.

- Arsenal have conceded five Premier League goals from outside the box in 2015-16 so far; two more than in the whole of 2014-15 (3).

- Sadio Mane has six assists in 18 Premier League appearances this season; twice as many as he had in 30 Premier League last season (3).