Arsenal: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain eyeing midfield opportunity

With Arsenal looking to strengthen their attack rather than midfield. There could be an indication that Oxlade-Chamberlain may get his chance in central midfield.

Let me start slightly off topic by saying that the signing of Alexandre Lacazette has been a breath of fresh air. Finally a world class striker has turned up at Arsenal and we should all be very excited. And it doesn’t look like Arsene Wenger will stop there. Whether Alexis Sanchez leaves this summer or not, it’s likely that Wenger will sign another attacker.

Thomas Lemar and Riyad Mahrez have been the main rumours flying around. But Gerson Martins from Sporting and Jean Michael Seri from Nice are also possibilities. Since the end of the season there have mainly been rumours about Arsenal signing forwards (I am not buying into the rumours about William Carvalho). This leads me to think that Wenger is happy with his midfield options and won’t be pursuing players in that position.

With Wilshere returning from his loan and there being few rumours about his departure, the midfield looks pretty well stocked even with Cazorla’s prolonged absence. If no midfielder is brought in this summer, this may provide a chance for current contract rebel Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The Ox had his best season in an Arsenal shirt last season. His production rate improved and his late season showings at wing back were very encouraging. While he may well blossom as a wing back, with Kolasinac and Bellerin looking odds on favourites to lock down those positions, it seems unlikely.

Yet that could still sit well with Oxlade-Chamberlain if he was given another crack at central midfield. The Englishman has made no secret about the fact that he is most comfortable centrally. Even Danny Welbeck acknowledged it.

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The two holding midfield places are by no means set it stone. While Xhaka’s role looks more entrenched, the position next to him is not certain. Ramsey may have the edge at present due to his strong end of season showings, but the Welshman often struggles with fitness issues and bouts of poor form.

Coquelin and Elneny are merely back up options and are likely to be used more in the Europa League. While Wilshere is too attacking for the deep midfield role and could challenge Ozil for his spot further forward.

Maitland-Niles and Reine-Adelaide are still too young and inexperienced. This leaves Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey and Xhaka to fight it out for two spots. Be it in the 3-4-2-1 or 4-3-2-1 formation, the Ox should fancy his chances against Ramsey and personally, I think he is a better long term option in that role.

None of this is relevant though if the Ox doesn’t sign a new deal. So Wenger needs to stump up the money and give him the first team assurances he craves. Oxlade-Chamberlain loves the club and he just wants to see them invest time and money into him.

Next: 3 Reasons Lacazette Better Signing Than Lukaku

Should no central midfielder be signed then Wenger may finally provide the Ox with that trust and chance he wants. I would love to see the man rocking it out in central midfield next season along with our new signings.

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