Arsenal Sign Southampton Starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Arsenal have completed the signing of seventeen year old Southampton starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for a reported fee of up to 12 million pounds. This brings to end a six month chase for the attacker, with Arsenal finally getting their man to the Emirates.

Chamberlain signs the dotted line

Arsenal’s official website ran the following statement yesterday evening-

Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has joined the Gunners on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, 17, joins Arsenal from Championship side Southampton, where he made 44 first-team appearances during his long association with the south coast club.

Chamberlain is a quick-footed attacking player, who plies his trade both as an advanced midfielder and on the wings. He made 44 appearances for Southampton and scored nine goals last season in an injury hit but fairly successful campaign.

The player seemed delighted at the switch and excitedly told reporters after his signing-

“I’m so excited to be joining Arsenal. It’s a fantastic club and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity of playing football at the highest level.

“Arsenal have a great manager in Arsène Wenger, top quality players and an attractive style of play. These were all important factors in me choosing to sign for Arsenal.

“I’m proud to be joining Arsenal, but I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Southampton for their help and support during the early part of my career, for which I will always be grateful.”

Manager Arsene Wenger was also satisfied with his new signing and expressed his confidence that he will make a difference during the coming term. He told the official site-

“We are delighted that Alex has decided to join us.

“He is an exciting young player who will provide us with creativity and offensive quality. Alex is a versatile player who can play in a number of positions. He can play as an attacking centre midfielder, or wide left and right.

“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.”

“Alex has done extremely well during his development with Southampton and we are looking forward to him progressing even further and fulfilling his huge potential with Arsenal Football Club.”

Arsenal are expected to make a couple of signings before the end of the week, with at elast one of them being a central defender with Premier League experience. Stay tuned for more in this regard.