Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has insisted that he is delighted with the progress of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and will put him in the first team, arsenal.com reports.
The 18 year old has made a big impression since his move from Southampton last summer and has scored on his first two starts in the Carling Cup and the Champions League. Oxlade-Chamberlain got another good runout in Monday’s FA Cup win over Leeds and Wenger plans to use him as the season unfolds. The England under 21 international cost the Gunners £12m and has been tipped as one of England’s brightest hopes for the future.
Wenger said: ‘He is very close now and he will be used in the next six months for sure. He is working on (his defensive side), his urgency and his committed level as well. When you are a young, talented player, you have to experience that talent is good, but that commitment at the top level is highly needed too. He is an intelligent boy, he understands that, and I am very happy with him. I am confident that in the next few weeks, he will play’.
Oxlade-Chamberlain faces a battle for places with fellow Englishman Theo Walcott, Ivorian sensation Gervinho and Russia captain Andrey Arshavin this season. The 18 year old is confident he can get a place in the side and is delighted to be working with Thierry Henry for the next month, whilst the Frenchman is on loan at the Emirates Stadium.
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