Wenger proud of Oxlade-Chamberlain’s Arsenal development

Arsene Wenger says it is a pleasure to see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain kicking on, shaking off injury and making a consistent impact for Arsenal in the Premier League.

Long-time Gunners manager Wenger compared Oxlade-Chamberlain to clubmate Theo Walcott, claiming both of them have started to overcome the physical problems that have bothered them in their careers so far.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, 23, has made 21 appearances already for Arsenal this year and has six goals in all competitions, something that is especially pleasing for Wenger.

“I believe Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s career, like Theo Walcott’s career, has been stopped many times by injuries,” Wenger said. “He had many, many setbacks. I think it’s the first season where he has the consistency of presence.

(Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“They play in positions where the physical demands are maybe higher than in any other position. On the flanks today, you need to come up and down, you need to defend, you need to be dangerous going forward. So you need to find the level of a good balance and it demands a little bit of experience.

“Alex is much more efficient going forward now. He can provide – he provided a good final ball for Ozil on Saturday, and he can score goals himself. That’s what you want from him.

“I want Oxlade-Chamberlain to stay at the club. I bought him at a very young age and I think he is developing well.

“This season he is making steps, he is moving forward and overall when you invest so much time and work and the player has as well you want him to stay. I think the player loves it here. He is integrated with the qualities we want him to have and overall I want him to stay.”