'The new Theo Walcott', 'Technically better than Theo' – just some of the headlines attached to the name of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who, if reports in the press are to be believed, is days away from following Theo from the South Coast to the Emirates Stadium. But who is the latest shining star from the ever increasing Southampton production line?
Born in August 1993, the 17 year old is the son of former England and Stoke City winger Mark Chamberlain who seemingly has pace to burn but a level headed attitude which has attracted the attention of the Arsenal boss. The youngster joined the Southampton Academy at the age of seven and made his professional debut in a 5-0 win over Huddersfield in March of last year. Chamberlain made his first start in a League Cup game against Bournemouth in August 2010 and capped a sensational introduction with a goal in the Saints 2-0 win.
A professional contract soon followed as he signed a three-year-deal with the Saints and his first league start came in a 0-2 reverse against Rochdale a fortnight later. Probably the most memorable moment of the 17-year-old's fledgling career so far though was two goals and assists in a man of the match performance against Dagenham and Redbridge in November. Chamberlain created his very own You Tube moment when he raced down the right flank beat the full-back before sending in a cross-cum-shot which looped over the keeper and in to the bottom corner of the net.
So what will £10million get the Gunners? Well Chamberlain has notched six goals in 23 appearances from midfield and looks set to be just as quick as Theo Walcott. As well as pace, the 17-year-old already looks well-built and ready for the physical demands of the Premier League and does not lack confidence. That's not to say he is arrogant, more confident of his own ability and a desire to reach the top. And any move to Emirates could have moved a step closer this morning with his father's comments on Sky Sports News in which he branded a transfer to Arsenal as the 'ideal choice' for his son.
But what does this mean for another pacey, right winger from Southampton's youth academy? Where will Theo end up? Well my guess is Chamberlain will be signed and loaned back to Southampton for the rest of the season and perhaps next season Alex will be racing up the wing and Theo will be in the centre, pace and power combined in a team full of young, talented stars.
And anyway, the move is surely written in the stars as Alex now holds the record for Southampton's youngest ever player, the previous holder? A certain Theo Walcott......
