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.

Liverpool are believed to have had an initial approach rebuffed as they explore the possibility of a £25m move but either the Reds or City could tempt Oxlade-Chamberlain into forcing through a deal should they indicate he will have a chance to operate in his ideal position. Wenger is keen to keep Oxlade-Chamberlain, however, in addition to Theo Walcott, who was this morning linked with a move to West Ham.