Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s dad Mark believes that Arsenal should be his son’s next destination and “as soon as possible”.
The Southampton youngster has attracted the attention of Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham over the last 12 months but Arsenal are believed to be in the driving seat to secure his signature when he leaves St Mary’s.
The Gunners have raided the South Coast club before, when taking Theo Walcott in 2006. That deal was reportedly worth a total of 12m based on an upfront fee and instalments set on appearances and England caps.
Arsenal are thought to already have had one £5million bid for Oxlade-Chamberlain rejected earlier this year.
The Saints starlet who was voted into PFA team of the year for League one last term, hit 10 goals in 41 appearances to help the club win automatic promotion to the Championship.
And the midfielder’s father, who himself was capped by England during the 1980s, believes that now would be the right time for his son to take the next steps in his development by making a move to the Emirates.
Speaking to the Southern Daily Echo, he said: “Considering where he was at the beginning of the season and end of last season, to have the clubs we’ve been hearing about looking at him, he’s made great strides.”
“But watching him and watching his performances I think it’s well deserved. He’s only going to get better.”
“A lot of people speak to me and say ‘Maybe it’s too soon, look at Theo.’ But for me I think Theo’s doing fantastic, he’s developing as a player, he’s still developing and he’s still young. To develop at a place like Arsenal can’t be a bad thing. In my eyes, I’d like to see him go there as soon as possible, and continue his development.”
