Introducing our newest Gunner – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Arsenal have concluded the signing of promising mid-fielder/winger Alexander Oxlade-Chamberlain from Southampton for an initial fee of £7 million – rising to £12 million with addons. The signing of Chamberlain puts an end to a transfer that looked like it would happen in January but because Southampton threw their toys out the pram, extended into this summer.
Chamberlain has been a target for most of the big clubs in England with United and recently Liverpool trying the hardest to usurp Arsenal’s deal. However, the player’s father and former England international Mark Chamberlain felt all along that it was Arsenal under Arsene Wenger, that Alex would really develop into a star.
Alex comes form the same Southampton youth academy that Theo Walcott did and reminds allot of people of the current Arsenal and England international. However, the differences stop there. Alex is further along i his development is probably a more “aware” player than Theo was at this age. Additionally, where Theo was always a winger, Alex started as an attacking midfielder but because of his pace was placed on the outside to get full advantage of it.
Also, he is a better defender than Walcott is and is more physical having the ability to play as a box to box midfielder. His foot work is such that he can play the ball with both feet and is able to control the ball effectively while dribbling at speed.
He is also a player who is effective all around the box regardless of where he is. For such a young age he is also quite accurate with his shots. In addition to his offencive prowess he is a great defender. He does not hesitate to go after the ball and is excellent and turning his defencive ability into an offencive weapon. What I mean is he is apt at winning the ball back and turning it into an instant attack.
But the lad is not without his weaknesses. Let’s not forget he is 17 years old. The last 17 year old that got heaped with praise and selected for a WC before his time still hasn’t lived up to his hype. So expecting much, early on from this kid is a big ask. He is fine out on the wing but how he will handle the powerful midfielders of the EPL remains to be seen. Frankly, I could see a situation where he gets put out on loan back at Southampton for a full season of Championship play or goes to a lower tier EPL club for a loan spell.
Still he’s eager, ready and hungry.
What is the upside? Well, besides being the most promising player in his age group? Then it is his mentality. This kid has desire. When criticised for his size he went to work with additional training so that he could add some bulk and strength to his frame. He also doesn’t care where he plays. He accepted the move to winger as a challenge and built the requisite tools in to his repertoire to accommodate the new position.
Fan Reaction
So far the reaction has been positive. With a lot fans seeing the upside of having a talent like Chamberlain in the squad. His signing continues the current EPL trend of finding young, English talent and paying a premium for him. Of all the youth signed this summer, Chamberlain is head of the class.
Of course, this is not the signing many had hoped for. There will be a backlash that the glowing issue of a new Center Back is still out there. But there are rumours that this too could be completed this week. Also, there should be no confusing that this is some how tied to the Nasri transfer saga as some have suggested. Chamerblain has been a transfer target before the contract saga with Nasri erupted in February.
Additionally, fans will scratch their heads on the price paid for Chamberlain. Well, all I can say about that is – given what teams are paying for English talent this summer its still a deal.
Anyway – welcome Alex. We look forward to a nice long relationship with the club.
