Arsenal Transfer News: Major Per Mertesacker, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Rumours

Arsenal will reportedly not offer centre-back Per Mertesacker a new deal this summer, while Southampton are preparing a transfer move for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who joined the Gunners from the Saints five years ago. 

According to the Times' Matt Hughes, Mertesacker's current deal will run out next summer, but while he still has the trust of manager Arsene Wenger, the Germany international will have to prove his form and fitness next season before he's given a new contract.

The 31-year-old has captained the Gunners in the absence of Mikel Arteta, but his performances have been inconsistent throughout the season.

Per Hughes, he has been kept on the bench in Arsenal's last two matches, despite being healthy, and BT Sport Football's Owen Hargreaves thought that was the right decision:

TV personality and Arsenal fan Piers Morgan also hasn't been his greatest supporter:

Mertesacker has been a regular for the Gunners since joining in 2011, but his lack of pace has cost the club in the past, and the 2015-16 campaign has been no different. He was repeatedly burned by Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane in the 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane earlier this month, although he bounced back nicely and helped the team earn a point.

The German still holds a lot of value, but the Gunners might start their search for a clear upgrade at the position this summer. Laurent Koscielny has proved himself a top Premier League defender, and if a player of similar quality joined him in the back four, it could turn the position into a major strength.

Mertesacker's experience would make him a perfect candidate to mentor the younger defenders and serve as depth, and he's become something of an unofficial spokesperson of the dressing room, routinely taking care of interviews or doing bits with the social-media team.

Per Bleacher Report UK, he never shies away from saying things as they are:

He has clearly assumed something of a leadership role, and keeping him at the club could be worthwhile just for that. But with just one year left on his deal, other clubs will follow the situation closely, hoping they can tempt the Gunners into a sale and promising Mertesacker a starting position.

If he doesn't sign a new contract before the end of the season, look for transfer rumours to start swirling.

Mertesacker still seems perfectly happy in north London, and a move may not be likely right now, but a tricky contract situation could change that in a hurry.

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror's Dave Kidd reported Southampton will make a move for Oxlade-Chamberlain, hoping to take advantage of his lack of first-team opportunities in a bid to bring him back to St. Mary's Stadium.

Per WhoScored.com, the 22-year-old winger has made just nine Premier League starts this season, and after several years in the Arsenal system, he still hasn't established himself as the Gunners' clear answer at the position for the future.

His lack of development and consistency has been a constant source of frustration for fans and pundits, and Metro's Oli Price-Bates thinks most players in his situation would have been moved on long ago:

At his best, his blend of raw athleticism and technical abilities makes him a nightmare to defend, and he still has all of the long-term potential that convinced Arsenal to bring him to the Emirates Stadium in the first place.

But he needs to play consistent minutes to continue his development, and the Gunners are seemingly unwilling to hand him those. Southampton reportedly tried to change that in January, as they had a loan proposal turned down, per Kidd, while Liverpool and Manchester City are also said to be interested.

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