Arsenal Transfer Rumors: Loss of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Would Hurt Gunners

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who joined Arsenal from Southampton this summer, is making it known that he does not intend on leaving the Gunners after rumors sprang up that he wanted to be a first-team regular.

Chamberlain, who was largely viewed as a big pickup for Arsene Wenger's squad, has only six starts in all competitions since joining Arsenal for £12 million. The Daily Mail reported on Wednesday that he could move out on loan in January before Euro 2012.

However, the 18-year-old wrote on Twitter on Wednesday, "Just to confirm, any rumours about me wanting to leave are completely false, couldn't be happier at Arsenal."

Chamberlain is a very raw prospect, but he has nice touch, good acceleration and an eye for the goal that has some projecting him as a star in the future. He still has a lot to learn, but he's shown glimpses of being a very productive player for the Gunners down the line.

Thierry Henry's return to Arsenal has been the main source of the rumors, as first-team time will be even more difficult for Chamberlain now, especially after Henry scored the deciding goal against Leeds in the FA Cup on Monday.

But, the truth is, Wenger knows as well as anybody that grooming Chamberlain for the coming years is essential. With Arsenal outside of the top four at the moment, the Gunners haven't been as strong as in seasons past, and it didn't help that Manchester City skyrocketed this season. Arsenal needs a star to develop more than ever at this point, and Chamberlain has the potential to do some big things in the future.

Look for Chamberlain to stick around.