Arsenal: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain provides peak behind transfer curtain

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has stated that both Alexandre Lacazette and Kylian Mbappe are players that excite him, providing a little peek behind the Arsenal transfer curtain.

It seems that every man and his dog has an opinion on what Arsenal should or should not be doing this summer. I, like many others, am one of them. That’s why I write this blog, after all! However, a huge demographic that we often forget have a conscience and a perspective on potential signings is the players themselves.

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The reason for such complacency is the fact that current players are rarely allowed to be so open and candid by their respective club’s PR departments. That is why Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s recent comments in regards to the possible additions of Alexandre Lacazette and Kylian Mbappe are so intriguing.

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When asked about whether he has watched much of the pair and whether he is a fan of their talents, Chamberlain was clearly enamoured by both of their talents and achievements, and excited at the prospect of possibly playing alongside them next season:

"“Anyone would want them [Lacazette and Mbappe] in their team. First and foremost, Mbappe has been a phenomenal revelation this season at such a young age. It is hard not to watch him closely. He is scoring so many goals and every week, it’s in your face! I have been monitoring him and he really is a quality player. I feel the same about Lacazette. I have seen him for a good few years now and he is always scoring goals.”"

The comments are extremely rare to find from a potential future teammate. But they do provide us with a unique peek behind the transfer curtain. They show us that players are aware of the rumours and the reports that encircle within the media. They show us that they have certain expectations and hopes for what the club can do in the transfer market. They show us that players talk to one another.

Now they may seem like fairly obvious conclusions to draw. But so often we see put players on a pedestal where they unable to be people. They are unable to act like normal people do. The banter, the debate, the arguments and the comradery of the Sunday League dressing room are replicated in many Premier League dressing rooms. It is simply that Fox and Duck FC down the local park aren’t plastered in TVs across the world.

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But in the end, these are normal people with an extraordinary talent. And these normal people have hopes and dreams for what Arsenal will do this summer. Let’s hope they can deliver.