Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is hopeful that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will ink a new long-term deal following his impressive showing over the past couple of months.
The England international has stood out from his fellow teammates in recent games with his work rate, in particular, being a highlight of his improvement from the first half of the season.
With Wenger having shifted to a new 3-4-2-1 formation, ‘The Ox’ appears to have made the right wing-back position his own ahead of fellow teammate Hector Bellerin.
Speaking in his pre-conference prior to the Manchester United clash, Wenger was full of praise for the versatile player, who put in a man of the match performance in the FA Cup semi-final over Manchester City in a similar wing-back role.
“His performances have been convincing and positive,” he is quoted as saying on the club’s official website.
“It looks like he makes a move forward. He has all the qualities to play well there. Hopefully, it will give him confidence.”
The long-standing manager added that he is open to seeing the player at the club for the long-term and hopes the 23-year-old resolves his future in the summer.
“Personally I think he has to commit his future to the club and I hope he will do so this summer,” he added.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, who currently earn a weekly package of around £65,000, is due to play a key part for the Gunners over the weekend as they take on Manchester United in a must-win game in the Premier League.
Arsenal are currently six points behind Manchester City with a game in hand and a victory over rivals United could give them a reasonable chance of finishing in the top four which in turn guarantees them Champions League qualification.
