Speaking to Arsenal’s official website, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has categorically stated that he intends to keep hold of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for the foreseeable future.

Arsenal certainly took a leap of faith by splashing close to £15 million to secure the services of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Southampton back in 2011 and given the sizeable investment, manager Arsene Wenger was most certainly expecting big things from the then teenager.

Five years on, Oxlade-Chamberlain has by no means been a poor signing for Arsenal but it would be fair to state that the attacker has not developed as quickly as the North London side would have wanted to. That said, Oxlade-Chamberlain is only 23 and the attacker has been in very good form during the current campaign.

It is clear that the England international can go on to become a top player if he continues at the same rate of progression this term and now Wenger has gone on to state that he is willing to remain patient with his young star, having work so hard in developing him over the last five years.

Wenger told Arsenal’s official website, "I want Oxlade-Chamberlain to stay at the club. I bought him at a very young age, I think he's developing well. This season he's making steps, moving forward.

"When you've invested so much time and work in a player, and the player loves it here and is integrated in the qualities we want him to have..... overall, I want him to stay."

Arsenal need to act fast to keep hold of the Ox

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract at the Emirates Stadium expires within the next 18 months and it is believed that Arsenal are yet to begin talks over a new deal with the youngster, with their attention fully focused on tying down superstars Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.

While the negotiations with Sanchez and Ozil has proven to be a long drawn one, Arsenal should start making moves to secure the services of Oxlade-Chamberlain as well and in turn, avoid risk losing the promising attacker anytime soon.