OX WANTS ARSENAL ASSURANCES
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will seek assurances over his first-team role at Arsenal before deciding whether to stay at the club. The Gunners have opened talks with the 23-year-old over a new contract with just a year left on his existing agreement amid interest from Liverpool and Manchester City. Arsenal expect Oxlade-Chamberlain to sign a new deal worth in the region of £100,000-a-week but negotiations have slowed with the midfielder determined to ensure he is a key part of manager Arsene Wenger’s plans. Oxlade-Chamberlain has made no secret of his desire to play in a central role and enjoyed a brief spell there last season before Wenger switched to a 3-4-2-1 system. That formation reinvigorated Arsenal and Oxlade-Chamberlain’s performances at right wing-back were key to its success. However, Hector Bellerin is strong competition for that position while Arsenal are well-stocked for central midfielders and also retain an interest in signing Juventus’ Mario Lemina. Live