Arsenal snap up hot prospect Oxlade-Chamberlain
Monday, August 8, 2011
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Arsenal FC have sealed the signing of Southampton FC winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for an undisclosed fee, with the 17-year-old agreeing a long term deal in north London.
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Arsenal FC have completed the signing of England Under-21 winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Southampton FC after the teenager agreed terms on a long-term deal.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, who turns 18 next week, joins the north London club for an undisclosed fee. He started out in Southampton's youth system at the age of seven before making his league debut aged 16.
His progress has been followed closely by Premier League sides and he had a pivotal role in Southampton's promotion to the second division, or Championship, last term by scoring nine goals in 34 league appearances.
Most adept in midfield, Oxlade-Chamberlain – son of former England winger Mark Chamberlain – can play on the right or through the middle and he has drawn comparisons to Theo Walcott, who made a similar move from Southampton to Arsenal in 2006.
Gunners manager Arsène Wenger said: "He is an exciting young player who will provide us with creativity and offensive quality. Alex is a perceptive passer of the ball and has a great understanding of the game and looks to be a very good team player."
Arsenal face Udinese Calcio in the UEFA Champions League play-offs on 16 and 24 August, playing the first leg at home.
