Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Kieran Gibbs

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has reportedly made it clear he won't sign a new contract with Arsenal and thinks he could further his career elsewhere amid rumours of interest from Premier League trio Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.

Meanwhile, West Bromwich Albion have ended their interest in Kieran Gibbs amid reports the Gunners rejected a bid worth £10 million for the left-back.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger "held face-to-face talks with Oxlade-Chamberlain during the club's pre-season tour of Australia and China," per John Cross of the Daily Mirror, but the attacking midfielder is still unlikely to sign a new deal, even though his current contract expires in 2018.

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As Cross pointed out, Oxlade-Chamberlain's stance is not motivated by money: "Oxlade-Chamberlain is making it clear that he is not holding out for money but is ambitious and is desperate to push himself and realise his full potential."

Cross pointed to injuries and a lack of first-team game time as reasons Oxlade-Chamberlain is ready to quit the Gunners, with the player having rejected a pair of offers already. Liverpool have been monitoring the situation, per the report.

Yet the Reds aren't the only side from England's top flight showing interest. Chelsea and City are also keen, according to Neil Fissler of the Daily Express: "Liverpool have been keeping close tabs on his contract talks but it is now seen as a straight shoot out between Premier League champions Chelsea and City."

Many may be disappointed to see Oxlade-Chamberlain leave Arsenal if he is intent on doing so. There is no doubt the former Southampton ace who joined the Gunners in 2011 has considerable potential.

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However, fulfilling said potential has been a problem for the England international.

At the root of the problem has been an inability to find the player's best position. His pace, strength, direct running and trickery often appear better suited to the flanks.

Yet underrated technique as a passer and a fierce shot are attributes best used from central areas. Oxlade-Chamberlain said he wants to play in the middle, while Wenger has also indicated that's where he sees the player in the future, per Jeremy Wilson of the Daily Telegraph.

The confusion over his position, as well as injury woes, has contributed to Oxlade-Chamberlain's stunted progress with the Gunners. Yet it can also be argued the 23-year-old hasn't always made the most of the opportunities he's had.

He can be inconsistent with his decision-making, with club legend Ian Wright also bemoaning a lack of urgency, per comments made on ITV (h/t Charlie Phillippe of the Daily Express).

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Wenger has said he wants to keep the attacking midfielder, per another report from Wilson. However, it may be best for player and club to part ways as Wenger looks to trim his squad this summer.

One fringe player likely difficult to shift will be Gibbs. The Gunners have turned down a £10 million bid for the defender from West Brom, according to Sky Sports News.

Arsenal want around £12 million for Gibbs, per the report, but Baggies manager Tony Pulis has now ruled out signing the full-back, per Ian Tuckey of The Sun: "We have three or four other targets we are desperate for. We are juggling with two at the moment and that's not Gibbs."

Arsenal are asking a lot for Gibbs, especially since he's now increasingly unlikely to feature in the starting XI during the new season. Wenger has already brought in left-sided defender Sead Kolasinac on a free transfer to go along with incumbent Nacho Monreal.

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There is also a promising youngster in Cohen Bramall, who is able to play on the left.

Gibbs was left out of Arsenal's pre-season tour squads and has been named as one of eight potential squad players set to be sold to fund a possible move for AS Monaco winger Thomas Lemar, per Matt Barlow of the Daily Mail.

If Wenger is serious about clearing the decks, he should lower the asking price. He should also consider granting Oxlade-Chamberlain's request to leave.